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International Travel Issues for Americans

Find helpful resources for Americans before traveling outside of the U.S., including how to exchange money, get visas for certain countries, and sign-up for government travel programs and safety alerts. Learn how to apply for an international driver's permit.

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Coronavirus International Travel Advisories

Guidance for people traveling to and from the United States during the coronavirus pandemic changes frequently. Check with the Department of State for the latest information before making any international travel plans.

New Coronavirus Testing Rules for People Entering the U.S. by Air

Beginning January 26, 2021, the State Department will require all air passengers age two and older traveling to the U.S., including U.S. citizens, to be tested for COVID-19 no more than three days before their flight. they will need to show proof of their negative results before boarding their plane.

Read frequently asked questions about this new coronavirus rule for everyone entering the U.S. by air.

U.S. Citizens Returning to the U.S.

U.S. Citizens Traveling to a Country Outside the U.S.

See a list of embassy websites for country-specific COVID-19 information, including entry and exit rules and quarantine requirements once you enter a country. This information changes frequently. Check back for updates.

The CDC has COVID-19 guidance for international travel including:

  • Risk assessments by country

  • Frequently asked questions about canceling or postponing trips

  • Advice for airline and cruise ship travel

Foreign Nationals Traveling to the U.S. From Another Country

Entry to the U.S. has been suspended for most foreign nationals who have been in China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and certain European countries at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the United States. Non-essential travel has also been suspended between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico.

U.S. Citizens Remaining in a Country Outside the U.S.

Trusted Traveler Programs

Learn about the Trusted Traveler Programs to help expedite your international travel. The Department of Homeland Security offers several options based on how you are traveling between the U.S. and other countries and how often you travel outside the U.S.

Infographic: Traveling? Spend Less Time in Line

TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry, and other "Trusted Traveler" programs let pre-approved travelers get through security and customs screenings faster, whether they're traveling within the U.S. or abroad.

Opens in new window View a larger version of the infographic.

Infographic explaining Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler programs.

  • Do you travel by plane within the U.S. or abroad, or drive or walk across the border into Canada or Mexico? You can skip the long security and customs lines at the airport or border crossing by enrolling in a “Trusted Traveler” program from the Department of Homeland Security.

    Five programs serve different travel routes and needs. They use streamlined procedures with reserved lanes and kiosks to get pre-approved travelers on their way quickly.

    Each program has a different enrollment fee but all come with a five-year membership. To enroll, apply online, then attend an appointment at an enrollment center. Visit dhs.gov/trusted-traveler-programs for current prices and to learn more.

    For travel within the U.S. and U.S. territories by air

    Program: TSA PreCheck

    What makes it faster: Dedicated fast lanes for airport security screening. No need to remove shoes, belt, light jacket, laptop, or liquids at airport security.

    Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents

    For travel into the U.S. from abroad

    Program: Global Entry

    What makes it faster: Use a kiosk to clear customs, immigration, and agricultural processing. No paperwork

    Other benefits: Dedicated fast lanes for vehicles and walkers entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. Includes TSA PreCheck

    Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents, citizens of certain other countries

    For travel into the U.S. from Mexico by land

    Program: SENTRI

    What makes it faster: Dedicated fast lanes for vehicles and walkers

    Other benefits: Faster entry into the U.S. for U.S. citizens and permanent residents following an international flight. Includes TSA PreCheck.

    Eligibility: Citizens of any country who have the required documentation or visas to enter the U.S.

    For travel between the U.S. and Canada

    Program: NEXUS

    What makes it faster: Use a kiosk to clear customs at U.S. and Canadian airports. Dedicated fast lanes for vehicles and walkers at northern border crossings

    Other benefits: Faster processing for marine traffic entering the U.S. from Canada. Includes TSA PreCheck

    Eligibility: U.S. and Canadian citizens and permanent residents

    For travel into the U.S. from Canada or Mexico by commercial carrier

    Program: FAST (North or South)

    What makes it faster: Designated FAST lanes for commercial truck drivers transporting goods

    Eligibility: U.S. and Canadian citizens and permanent residents; Mexican nationals


     

Americans Driving Outside the United States

When visiting another country:

  • You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or similar document in addition to your license to legally drive.  
  • Your American driver's license is good in the U.S. and Canada. For all other countries, check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are planning to visit.  
  • If you are planning to rent a car, contact the rental car company to learn about local driving and auto insurance requirements.  

Get an International Driving Permit (IDP):

Note: The AAA also offers an Inter-American Driving Permit required in Brazil, Uruguay, and other countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Emergency Help for Americans Abroad

If you’re a U.S. citizen abroad or a relative of an American citizen needing help abroad, contact the closest U.S. Embassy for assistance. You can also visit "Get Help in an Emergency" on the Department of State (DOS) website. 

Learn How the Department of State Can Help in an Emergency

Embassies can help with:

  • Natural disasters and foreign crises

  • Lost or stolen passports

  • Medical emergencies

  • Crime or arrest

  • Missing persons

  • Parental child abductions

  • Death abroad

 Learn more about the forms of assistance the Department of State (DOS) can and can't provide U.S. Citizens in a foreign crisis.

Find Help Getting Money in an Emergency Abroad

The Department of State can assist you in an emergency if you need money transferred or wired. If you have no other way to get money, you may be able to get a temporary loan through the DOS or a U.S. Embassy or consulate.

Note: If you get a loan through DOS or a U.S. Embassy or consulate, you must repay it. You can repay your loan online using Pay.gov. Call 1-800-521-2116 from the U.S. or 843-746-0592 from abroad if you have any questions.

Travel to U.S. Territories or Freely Associated States

U.S. Territories

If you are a U.S. Citizen traveling to and from: 

  • Guam - You need an American passport, even if flying from Hawaii.  
  • American Samoa - You need an American passport.  
  • Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands - Does not require an American passport.  
  • U.S. Virgin Islands -  Does not require an American passport if coming from the U.S. mainland or from Puerto Rico.  
  • Puerto Rico - Does not require an American passport if coming from within the U.S.

Non-U.S. Citizens have to present a valid passport or other valid travel documents.

Freely Associated States

Countries that used to be administered by the United States are considered "Freely Associated States." They are considered foreign countries and U.S. citizens will need passports to travel there:

Visas for U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad

U.S. citizens may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Before traveling to another country, contact its embassy or consulate as far in advance as possible to find out:

  • Whether you must apply for a visa to visit the country, and when.

  • If the country has any other requirements you must meet before you can enter.

Find additional information in the U.S. Department of State's information document for the country.

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Last Updated: January 27, 2021

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