In recent weeks my office has received numerous inquiries from students and families who are considering traveling abroad during their spring and summer vacations, but are concerned about the cost and safety of doing so. I believe visiting other countries provides Americans with a wonderful learning opportunity that allows us to not only to better understand other cultures, but our own as well. So, this week I want to share some advice on how to navigate the passport application process, as well as how to stay safe when you are traveling abroad.

To travel internationally by air, you almost always need a valid passport. The only exception is flights between Canada and the United States, in which case you may use a NEXUS card.  It is an expensive and sometimes long process to apply for a passport, so you must plan ahead. The entire process typically takes between 4-6 weeks (routine service) and can cost about $135.  However, if you need your passport sooner, an expedited service can get it to you in 3 weeks or less depending on the nature of your situation. The expedited service costs an extra $60.

If you are not flying to your destination, a passport card is another option to consider. Unlike a standard passport, a passport card can only be used at land border-crossings and sea ports-of-entry to enter Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and to reenter the United States from any those locations. The card can serve as a less expensive alternative for those who frequently travel to these destinations by land or by sea. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel.

Perhaps more importantly, our office has been getting calls about safety. Traveling safely in today’s world requires preparation and awareness. Before leaving, sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the Department of State. When you sign up, you will automatically receive the up-to-date information on your destination country, including Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts (where appropriate). You only need to sign up once; afterwards you can add and delete trips from your account based on your travel plans. More information about STEP is available at step.state.gov. Also, before you leave, be sure to notify your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling so you are not inadvertently blocked out of your account.

Knowing how to pack smart is another element of staying safe while overseas. The Department of State recommends that you pack lightly, carry few valuables (and know how to conceal those valuables), use covered luggage tags to help protect your identity, and always know where your documents are. It is also a good idea to keep photocopies of important documents like your passport, hotel confirmation, tickets and credit cards on hand in case of an emergency or theft.

Lastly, while traveling, you are subject to local laws even though you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can differ immensely from our own and, to in order to avoid any entanglements with foreign law enforcement, it is very important to know what’s legal and what’s not.

For those who step beyond our borders, international travel can provide immeasurable rewards. I hope that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable time abroad.  Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or comments you may have.

Additional resources

For travel between Canada and the United States, a NEXUS card is a good alternative to a passport.  NEXUS is a joint program between the two countries that allows preapproved travelers expedited border clearance by air, land or sea. Applications can be submitted using the U.S. Customs and Border Protection online application system, Global Online Enrollment System (GOES), or to one of the Canadian Processing Centers (CPC).  Processing time can vary anywhere between a few days to a few weeks, so again, be sure to plan ahead. 

Be sure to learn about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which has governed all document requirements for international travel within the western hemisphere since 2007. 

If you are having trouble obtaining your passport in the standard 4-6 week timeframe, contact the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.