Frequently Asked Questions

U.S. citizens generally need a valid passport when traveling internationally. The exact document required may depend on your destination, how you are traveling, and the rules that apply to your trip.

Before traveling, check the entry requirements published by the government of your destination country. You should also confirm any document requirements with your airline or travel provider.

Some countries require travelers to have one or more blank pages available for visas or entry and exit stamps. The number of pages required varies by destination.

Check your passport before booking your trip and review the current entry requirements for every country you plan to visit, including any country where you will be in transit.

A standard U.S. passport issued to someone age 16 or older is generally valid for 10 years. A passport issued to a child under age 16 is generally valid for 5 years.

Some passports may have a shorter validity period because of the circumstances under which they were issued. Always use the expiration date printed on your passport when planning a trip.

Possibly. Some destinations require your passport to remain valid for a certain period beyond your arrival or departure date. A common requirement is up to 6 months of remaining validity, but the rule differs by country.

Check the current entry requirements for your destination before traveling. Airlines may also verify that your passport meets those requirements before allowing you to board.

Normal wear may not prevent you from using your passport, but significant damage can make it invalid for travel.

You may need to replace it if it has:

Because border and airline officials determine whether a document is acceptable, replacing a significantly damaged passport before traveling can help prevent disruption.

Yes, you can apply for a U.S. passport if you have never been issued a Social Security number.

The U.S. Department of State may require you to submit a signed and dated statement declaring under penalty of perjury that the Social Security Administration has never issued you a Social Security number.

Follow the instructions for your application type and use the exact wording required by the Department of State.

A valid, undamaged visa in an expired passport may sometimes still be used. You would generally need to travel with both:

The passports should normally be issued by the same country and be of the same type. A visa does not automatically remain usable in every situation, so confirm the rules with the embassy or consulate of the country that issued it before traveling.