Jan 13, 2025
Before you book your international vacation and head to the airport, the U.S. Department of State’s Minneapolis Passport Agency has some tips for your next trip:
Check your travel documents:
- Make sure your passport is valid as soon as you start planning your trip. Some countries, including most of Europe, require that your passport expiration date is at least six months away.
- Check travel.state.gov/destination for information about entry and exit requirements, travel advisories, and U.S. Embassy and Consulate locations. Remember, passport validity requirements may be different depending on the country you plan to visit.
- Keep in mind that passports issued to children under 16 are only valid for five years and need to be renewed in person.
Apply for a passport:
- Apply early! Routine processing times are 4-6 weeks. Expedited processing times are 2-3 weeks and require an additional $60 fee. Mailing times can take up to an additional 4 weeks. Find out how to apply.
- Eligible U.S. citizens now renew their passports online. Confirm you meet the requirements and find instructions for Online Passport Renewal.
- The most common reason for passport application delays is bad photos. Check photo requirements. No selfies please!
- Once you have your passport, make sure to safeguard your documents. Make copies and carry one separately from your original documents, leave one with a trusted loved one who isn’t travelling with you, and keep an electronic copy on your phone.
Safe travels:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov. This is a free service provided by the Department of State offering real time safety, and security alerts in your destination, and helps the embassy or consulate contact you in case of emergency.
- You may wish to consider travel insurance in case of medical evacuation and other unexpected expenses. The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas.
Last minute travel:
- Travelling in the next two weeks but don’t have a valid passport? Book an appointment at the Minneapolis Passport Agency, one of 29 Department of State offices around the U.S. that can print you a new passport on short notice.