Apply for a passport. If you are applying for the first time, you must apply in person at a passport agency or at an accepted facility, such as a post office. Complete and submit Form DS-11 and provide proof of U.S. citizenship through common documents such as a certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship. You must also present primary identification from a valid driver's license or current government or military ID. Submit a photocopy of this identification to the facility when you apply in person. Present two identical photos that fit passport requirements and pay the applicable fee. (See Resources section.) As of July 2010, the application fee is $140.
If you have an expired passport, fill in the DS-82 form. You may renew your passport through the mail if your old one has not been damaged, was issued within the last 15 years and was issued when you were 16 or older. Your passport must list your current name unless you can legally document a name change. You must apply for the renewal passport in person if none of the above apply. The renewal application fee is also $140. For both first time and renewal passports, routine processing times are from four to six weeks, while expedited processing times are from two to three weeks.
For routine service, mail to:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90155
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155
For expedited service (additional fee), mail to:
National Passport Processing Center
Post Office Box 90955
Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955
Pack efficiently. Make sure that you are bringing essential items such as the proper clothing and toiletries. If you plan on shopping, leave enough room for you to bring the new clothing back with you. If you plan on shipping the clothes back to your home country, bring extra money to do so.
Read the luggage restrictions before going to the airport and make sure that you are able to take on what you have packed. Carry-on restrictions are updated by the Transportation Safety Association (TSA) regularly. As of 2010, each liquid or lotion container you carry on must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and placed in a single clear quart-sized bag with a zip-top. Each quart-sized bag must go through X-ray screening. Visit TSA's website listed in the Resources section to get the most up-to-date information. Note that you may not have to pay for checking in your bags. For instance, U.S. Airways allows free baggage check in for flights to Europe.
Obtain foreign currency. You should exchange U.S. dollars for the Euro before you leave for your trip to cover the cost of a cab from the airport and a meal. You can also exchange U.S. dollars to euros at the airport or at travel agencies. Note that as of mid-2010, the euro was stronger than the dollar. Also, if your bank does not have an established presence in Europe, they may charge you additional fees when you withdraw money overseas. If you prefer, take out traveler's cheques from American Express. You will be able to get back lost money within 24 hours.
Call your credit card companies before traveling to protect yourself against fraudulent charges. Tell your credit card company how long you will be gone and what places you will most likely be visiting.
Make certain that your health insurance will cover you when you are overseas. A company may reimburse you after you get medical treatment and send in the bill to them. Call your provider to determine what coverage you have for traveling overseas.
Check the news or the U.S. State Department website to make sure there are no political reasons not to enter the country. (See Resources section.)
Double-check your travel guides to determine what time of day is best to avoid large tourist crowds in the areas listed on your itinerary.
Investigate the places to avoid in the country. Look at travel sites like Traveling in Spain to avoid spots populated by pickpockets. Visit the U.S. Department of State to find up-to-date information and travel alerts.
