Tips for Travelers

Now that your passport is winging its way to your mailbox, you can proceed with other travel plans. The Bureau of Consular Affairs offers the following tips for travelers:

  • Be sure you have a signed, valid passport and, if required, the appropriate visas. (Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!)
  • Read the consular information sheets (and public announcements or travel warnings) for the countries you plan to visit.
  • Read up on local laws and customs of the countries you'll be visiting. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
  • Make two copies of your passport identification page. Leave one copy at home with family and carry the other with you, hiding it apart from your passport.
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
  • Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers. (These are questions you'll be asked whenever you check in for your flight.)
  • If you plan to stay abroad for more than two weeks, you should call or register in person with the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting. This will improve the lines of communication in the event someone contacts the embassy looking for you.
  • To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry or carry excessive amounts of money or credit cards.
  • In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.
  • If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy.
Visas
Most countries also require travelers entering their borders to obtain a visa issued according to that country's laws. These documents are often attached to a passport page by the awarding embassy (you have to send your passport along with your visa request) and can take up a whole page. Once these pages are filled, if your passport is still valid, you must apply to Passport Services for additional pages.

What If I Still Have Questions?

­The good news is that you can contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) with questions about passports and visas. The NPIC can be reached by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778). Customer service representatives are available to help with questions Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET) with automated assistance available 24/7. You can also receive a status report on your application by calling the toll-free number. See the National Passport Information Center to learn more.

For more information on ­passports and related topics, check out the links on the next page.