Here are some important things to note

Planning a trip can be exhilarating, and navigating the maze of passport and visa requirements, that’s where we come in. Our site is your go-to source for up-to-date and accurate information, ensuring your journey is smooth and hassle-free. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical escape, a cultural adventure, or a business trip abroad, we’ve got you covered.

Real ID:  A law called the Real ID Act now requires all states and U.S. territories to adhere to stricter security measures for issuing state IDs. On May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights.

Cruising:  Most cruises begin and end in the same location and are considered "closed-loop.”  U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises can enter or depart the country on the cruise with only proof of citizenship. However, it is possible that one or more of the destination countries on your itinerary may require a passport to enter. In those instances, your cruise line will require you to have a valid passport book to embark.

When cruising in Europe, you will need a passport and possibly a Visa – please see below for Visa information.

Although some “closed-loop” cruises may not require a passport book, I highly recommend you have one in case of an unexpected medical emergency or should your cruise not return to its original port of departure.  If you choose to use a birth certificate, a photocopy will not be sufficient.  You must carry and present an original copy of the birth certificate.

Your Passport Book Must Be Current & Valid: 

Current means your passport book must be valid at least 6-months beyond your travel return date and have two remaining blank pages.

In Europe, a U.S. passport book (with applicable visas, if needed), valid for at least 90-days beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area is required. 

In Mexico, a passport card is NOT sufficient.  Every traveler arriving in Mexico, regardless of age, is required to present a valid passport book for entry.   

You May Need a Visa:  

Beginning sometime in 2025, U.S. and Canadian citizens, including American and British tourists, will need to obtain a Visa with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).  The cost of an ETIAS Visa will be roughly $8/per person.  Individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee.

Visas are also required to visit Turkey and Russia. For Turkey, visit https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/.  For Russia, it is more complicated, and I typically recommend the assistance of a third-party visa agency.  If you have questions about obtaining a Visa for either of these countries, please don’t hesitate to ask.

 

If you want to travel to or through one of the countries below, you will need a Visa (ETIAS travel authorization) starting sometime in 2025.

How To Apply:

  1. We recommend you apply 6 weeks prior to travel

  2. You will need a valid travel document to which a Visa may be affixed, such as a valid passport book. Your travel document should not expire in less than three months, and it should not be older than 10 years. If your document expires sooner, you must renew before you can apply.

  3. Go to https://etias.com/ to get started. 

  4. You will be asked for personal data such as name, gender, data of birth, etc., passport or travel document information, which EU member states you want to visit, background questions on an applicant's health, criminal record as well as previous EU immigration history.

  5. They are saying 95% of applications will receive a decision within minutes of submission. If an ETIAS application is approved, it will be issued for a period of three years or the date of the applicant's passport expiry, whichever date is sooner.

  6. If additional documentation is required from you, processing times can potentially take up to four weeks.

Traveling with Children?  When U.S. citizen children, under the age of 16, are not accompanied by both parents, the child should have all necessary documents from the other parent and/or signed by both parents. Please go to https://help.cbp.gov/s/sidebar-top-5-travel?language=en_US to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information. 

International Driving Permit: Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license, but most accept an International Driving Permit (IDP). You may also need supplemental auto insurance. Be sure you know the requirements for your destination prior to travel.

An International Driving Permit is required in Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.

Airport Security Tip:  To expedite airport security, you may want to consider enrolling in a trusted traveler program such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or using the Mobile Passport App.

  • More than 50 airlines at over 200 US airports participate in the TSA PreCheck program, which allows you to register to skip lines and elements of TSA screening.

  • If you're a frequent international traveler, consider the US Customs' Global Entry program, which includes TSA PreCheck privileges at the start of your trip and lets you bypass passport control when you return ($100, valid for 5 years).

  • Any US citizen can use the free Mobile Passport app, which lets you use an express lane to pass through customs at major airports. Download it before you leave, enter your personal information and flight info when you return to the US, then scan your phone at a Mobile Passport express lane.

*The information above is accurate to the best of my knowledge, but travel requirements and health and safety information can change quickly and often.  Please always refer back to www.travel.state.gov, ask any questions to ensure up-to-date accuracy, and know that it is each travelers’ personal responsibility to ensure they meet all of the travel requirements and have all the necessary paperwork.