You will need a valid U.S. passport to travel anywhere outside of the United States and its territories. A passport is a government-issued document that proves you are a native or naturalized citizen of that country. To obtain a U.S. passport, apply at any acceptance facility, such as a post office, or passport agency. Bring your birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, a valid ID and two passport-approved photos of yourself. You can get your passport photo taken just about anywhere that takes and prints photos or a passport agency.
As of 2010, the cost for an adult passport is $135, according to the State Department. It usually takes four to six weeks to process and receive your passport. You can pay an additional $60 for to receive your passport more quickly, within two to three weeks. If you are traveling in less than two weeks, make an appointment at a regional passport agency where you can obtain your passport quickly.
A visa is a document from the country you want to visit giving you permission to enter. You must obtain a visa from the embassy or consulate of the country you are seeking to visit. Each country has its own specific visa requirements. In some countries, U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short-term visits. These countries typically are on very amiable terms with the U.S., such as Canada, Great Britain, France and Mexico.
In some parts of the world, particularly in Third World countries, you may be required to get a vaccination and present proof of vaccination, typically a yellow card with the vaccination information on it and signed by the doctor. One vaccine you may need if you travel to a country in West Africa is the Yellow Fever Vaccine. In Sierra Leone, for example, Yellow Fever is still a problem and you must get a yellow fever shot to enter the country.
