PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

Understand when a passport is required, how long it should
remain valid, and what your family needs before traveling
internationally.

Explore Passport Requirements

Before You Travel

Start With These Three Passport Essentials

International travel requirements can vary by destination, itinerary, citizenship, age, and method of transportation. Review your documents as soon as you begin planning.

1

Check the Expiration Date

Do not assume that a passport is usable simply because it remains valid during your travel dates. Some destinations require additional validity after your trip.

2

Verify Every Destination

Entry requirements may include passport validity, blank pages, visas, electronic travel authorizations, or other destination-specific documents.

3

Apply as Early as Possible

Passport processing and mailing time can vary. Applying early reduces the risk that documentation delays will affect your vacation.

Travel Documentation

Do I Need a Passport?

U.S. citizens generally need a valid passport book for international air travel. Requirements for cruises, land crossings, U.S. territories, and closed-loop itineraries can be different.

Even when a passport is not strictly required for a particular cruise itinerary, traveling with a passport book may make it easier to return home if an emergency requires international air travel.

Important: This table provides general guidance only. Always verify requirements for your complete itinerary, including every country, cruise port, airline, and transportation provider.
Type of Travel General Guidance
International air travel ✓ Passport book required
Mexico or Caribbean resort by air ✓ Passport book required
Europe by air ✓ Passport book required
Closed-loop cruise from the United States ! Requirements vary
One-way or open-jaw international cruise ✓ Passport book generally required
Hawaii Passport not required for U.S. citizens
Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands Passport generally not required for U.S. citizens traveling directly

Important Passport Warning

Your Passport May Need Six Months of Validity

Some countries require a passport to remain valid for at least six months beyond the dates of travel. Airlines may deny boarding when a destination’s validity requirement is not met.

Check Your Destination

Choose the Right Document

Passport Book vs. Passport Card

A passport book and passport card are not interchangeable. The correct choice depends on how and where you travel.

Recommended for Vacation Travel

Passport Book

The most flexible option for international vacations.

  • ✓ Valid for international air travel
  • ✓ Valid for international cruises, land crossings, and sea travel
  • ✓ Contains pages for visas and entry stamps
  • ✓ Allows international air travel home following many travel emergencies

Passport Card

A limited-use, wallet-sized travel document.

  • ✕ Not valid for international air travel
  • ! Limited to eligible land and sea travel from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and certain Caribbean destinations
  • ✕ Does not contain visa or entry-stamp pages
  • ! Can be used as REAL ID for domestic flights
Our Family Travel Recommendation: Obtain a passport book for international vacations. It provides more flexibility and is valid for international air travel, including situations in which you may need to fly home unexpectedly.

Getting Started

The Basic Passport Application Process

Exact requirements depend on your age, previous passport, and eligibility to renew. These steps provide a general overview.

1

Choose the Correct Form

Determine whether you must apply in person or are eligible to renew.

2

Gather Documents

Collect citizenship evidence, identification, and required supporting documents.

3

Obtain a Photo

Use a recent photo that meets official passport photo requirements.

4

Submit and Pay

Apply using the authorized method and pay the applicable government fees.

5

Track Your Application

Monitor your application and review your new passport when it arrives.

Application Options

First-Time Applications and Renewals

Use the official U.S. Department of State instructions to determine which application process applies to you.

Applying for the First Time

First-time adult applicants and people who do not qualify for renewal generally submit Form DS-11 in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility.

  • Complete the correct application form
  • Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship
  • Present acceptable photo identification
  • Provide a compliant passport photo
  • Pay the required fees
View official application instructions

Renewing an Adult Passport

Eligible adults may be able to renew online or by mail. Applicants who do not meet the renewal requirements must apply using the in-person process.

  • Confirm that you meet renewal requirements
  • Use only an authorized government website
  • Review current photo requirements
  • Check current fees and payment instructions
  • Allow processing and mailing time
Review official renewal options

Plan Ahead

Processing Times and Expedited Service

Processing estimates can change during the year and do not always include mailing time. Use the official government website for the latest information.

Check the Current Estimate Before You Apply

Routine and expedited service have different fees and estimated processing periods. Urgent travel services may require proof of travel and an appointment at a passport agency.

Processing time plus mailing time equals the total time required to receive a passport.
Check Current Processing Times

Family Travel

Passport Requirements for Children

Children and teenagers have different application requirements. Review the rules carefully before scheduling an appointment.

Children Under Age 16

A Separate In-Person Process Applies

Passports issued to children under age 16 are valid for five years and cannot be renewed. The child must apply again using the required child application process. Parent or guardian consent requirements apply.

Applicants Age 16–17

Teen Applicants Follow Different Steps

Applicants age 16 or 17 follow a process that differs from both younger children and most adult renewals. Parental awareness or consent documentation may be required depending on the circumstances.

View Children's Passport Instructions

Protect Your Documents

Smart Passport Tips Before You Leave

A few simple precautions can help protect your documents and make an emergency easier to manage.

Check Early

Review expiration dates when you begin planning, not shortly before departure.

Make Copies

Keep secure paper and digital copies of the passport identification page.

Carry It With You

Never place your passport in checked luggage when traveling internationally.

Store It Securely

Use a secure location while traveling and avoid unnecessary handling.

Match Your Reservation

Ensure the name on airline, cruise, and tour reservations matches your travel documents.

Report Loss Immediately

Report a lost or stolen passport promptly and follow official replacement instructions.

Trusted Information

Official U.S. Passport Resources

Use official U.S. government resources for forms, current fees, processing estimates, application status, and destination-specific entry requirements.

U.S. Passport Information

Apply for, renew, replace, or learn about a U.S. passport.

Open official resource

Passport Forms

Find official application, renewal, correction, and replacement forms.

View passport forms

Find an Acceptance Facility

Locate post offices, libraries, courts, and other authorized application facilities.

Search for a facility

Check Application Status

Track the status of a submitted passport application.

Check application status

Destination Requirements

Review passport validity, visa, entry, health, and destination information.

Check a destination

Lost or Stolen Passport

Learn how to report and replace a lost or stolen passport at home or abroad.

View replacement guidance

Common Questions

Passport Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel if my passport expires shortly after my vacation?

Possibly, but destination requirements vary. Some countries require a passport to remain valid for three or six months beyond the travel dates. Check the requirements for every country on your itinerary before departure.

Is a passport card sufficient for an international vacation?

A passport card is not valid for international air travel. Its use is limited to eligible land and sea entry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and certain Caribbean destinations. A passport book is the more flexible choice for most international vacations.

Do children need their own passports?

Children who require a passport must have their own individual passport. They cannot be added to a parent’s passport. Application and consent requirements differ based on the child's age.

Can a child's passport be renewed?

Passports issued to children under age 16 are valid for five years and cannot be renewed. The child must apply again using the child application process.

How early should I apply for a passport?

Apply as early as possible. Processing estimates can change, and mailing time is additional. Do not make nonrefundable travel decisions based only on an estimated passport delivery date.

What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?

Report it promptly using the official Department of State process. When outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.

Can Our Family Travel apply for a passport for me?

No. Passport applications must be completed by the traveler or the traveler’s parent or legal guardian when applicable. Our Family Travel can remind you to review your documentation, but the traveler is responsible for obtaining and carrying all required documents.

Are passport and entry requirements guaranteed to remain the same?

No. Government, airline, cruise line, and destination requirements can change. Travelers should verify all requirements using official sources before final payment and again before departure.

Travel-document disclaimer: Information on this page is provided for general educational purposes and may change without notice. Our Family Travel does not issue passports and cannot determine a traveler’s admissibility. Each traveler is responsible for verifying and obtaining the passports, visas, identification, authorizations, health documents, and other items required by governments, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, and suppliers.