Passports
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify United States passports. U.S. Passport Application Information. A passport application is one of the first steps to obtaining a passport, renewing a passport, adding more pages to a passport, changing the name on your passport, or getting a passport for a minor. Often people use the terms passport form and passport application interchangeably. What is a passport application? A passport application is a form designed by the government to permit you to obtain a passport, enabling you to travel abroad and be re-admitted in your home country. Where do I find a passport application? You can obtain a passport application in many ways. One way is to visit a passport acceptance agency, such as a post office. Another way is to visit the Department of State’s site.
Visas
A visa is a travel document from officials in a foreign country. This allows you to visit a country for a specific amount of time. Over 270 countries offer visas, and there is more than one type of visa offered. There are many different types of visas, depending on the reason for travel and the number of times the person is planning on entering the country. A Tourist/Travel Visa is a specific type of visa for travelers who are visiting a country for tourist reasons or visiting friends and relatives for a limited time period. A Business Visa is for travelers who are visiting another country for a limited period of time for the purpose of commercial meetings, discussions, negotiations, or similar activities. Certain countries require a traveler to apply for their visa prior to travel. It is essential to know which countries require this in advance to ensure your clients’ travel will be a smooth process. Please be sure you check the Department of State’s site to view the requirements for each leg of your client’s trip so you can advise them on what is needed and required for travel.
Real ID's
Domestic travel does not require a passport, but beginning in October 2021, all travelers over 18 will be required to provide a Real ID to fly within the U.S. Most states are now issuing a Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state identification cards, but some states have still not fully converted to this practice. To find out if your state is compliant, check out the Department of Homeland Security’s helpful map. Even if your client’s state is compliant with the Real ID laws, your client may still have the previous style of driver’s license (not a Real ID) if they have not renewed their license recently. Start educating your clients now about the Real ID card and why they may need to renew their identification. To learn more about Real IDs, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s site or watch the Real ID Video.
TSA Precheck
What Is TSA PreCheck? TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows travelers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a U.S. Department of Homeland Security agency, to pass through an expedited security screening at certain U.S. airports.
How it Works 1. Apply OnlineSubmit an online application in 5 minutes & schedule an appointment at any of 380+ enrollment centers. 2. Background Check A 10 minute, an in-person appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting. 3. Enjoy TSA PreCheck™Add Your Known Traveler Number to your ticket and enjoy!
Global Entry
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit. Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. While Global Entry’s goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.
Vaccinations
See your doctor when you start to plan your trip abroad. It’s essential to do this well in advance. It’s important to plan to get the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit. Protect your child and family when traveling in the United States or abroad by:
Getting the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit during your trip
Making sure you and your family are up-to-date on all routine U.S. vaccines.
Staying informed about travel notices and alerts and how they can affect your family’s travel plans
Avoid getting sick or coming back home and spreading the disease to others. Vaccinate at least a month before you travel.
Your body needs time to build up immunity.
You may need several weeks to get all the doses of the vaccine.
Your primary doctor may not stock travel vaccines. Visit a travel medical clinic.
You’ll need time to prepare for your pre-travel appointment.
If the country you visit requires a yellow fever vaccine, only a limited number of clinics have the vaccine and will probably be some distance from where you live. It would be best if you got it at least 10 days before travel.