Information for Travel Industry

Use our resources to support your clients before and during their international trips. 

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs supports the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad.

• We provide detailed, destination-specific information to help U.S. citizens make informed international travel decisions.  
• We issue passports and other documents to U.S. citizens and nationals.
• We support U.S. border security and legitimate travel to the United States.

Share the resources on this page with your customers who are planning to travel abroad.

• Get My Passport Fast
• Where to Apply
• Report my Passport Lost or Stolen
• Passport Photos
• Life-or-Death Emergencies
• Get Your Passport Processing Time
• Get My Passport Application Status 
• U.S. Travelers in Europe

A passport is a U.S. citizen’s key to international travel. Your clients should apply early. Many countries require passports to have at least 6 months validity remaining to enter, and more time may be required, especially if their destination requires a visa.

• As a general best practice, travelers should ensure their passport will be valid for 6 months after returning home. It must also have 2 or more blank pages, or some countries may deny entry. 
• Children's passports are generally valid for 5 years. Adult passports are generally valid for 10 years. Check expiration dates carefully. 
• We recommend all cruise ship passengers carry their passport for emergencies, even if it's not required.

• Travel Advisories
• International Travel Checklist
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Medicine and Health
• Laws Abroad
• Traveling with Firearms
• Global Entry
• TSA Pre-check

For any trip abroad, it is important to be prepared. Before traveling, your clients should:

• Follow our International Travel Checklist.
• Have all the required documents and appropriate visas or electronic travel authorizations.
• Sign up for our free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get updates about their destination while traveling.
• Get insurance for the unexpected. All travelers must be prepared in the event there is a crisis abroad. 
• Have an evacuation plan that does not rely on U.S. government help.

We have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens. Our U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are available to help with emergencies 24/7.

• Help Abroad
• Arrest or Detention Abroad
• Victims of Crime
• Missing U.S. Citizens Abroad
• Death Abroad
• Crisis Response and Evacuations