A valid United States passport is accepted for entry and exit into and out of all foreign countries, regardless of the method of travel. First-time applicants must apply in person at an acceptance or passport facility and submit proof of U.S. citizenship. You must also provide proof of your identity, complete an application and provide two passport photos.
You should apply for a passport several months before your planned trip since processing can take weeks or months. However, there is an expedited process that can reduce the wait to two or three weeks.
There are exceptions to the need for a passport when traveling to and from some countries by land or sea in the western hemisphere. Due to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, some countries only require a WHTI-approved document to visit, and the U.S. accepts these documents for re-entry.
Some countries in the world require visiting U.S. citizens to have a visa. Each country is different, so it is important to check with the country's embassy when you are planning your trip.
Citizens traveling to some areas of the world must provide proof that they have received certain vaccines, while other vaccines are merely suggested. Check with your doctor.
