Young African American woman at airport holding passport.

The complete passport and visa guide

Obtaining a passport and visa is the first step to international travel. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the process, along with travel tips and our top destinations for 2025.

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If you're planning to travel abroad, the first step is to get a passport. Depending on your destination, you may also need a visa or an electronic authorization. This collection of helpful guides covers everything you need to know about the process and offers tips to make international travel as smooth as possible.

How to get a passport?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a passport by applying at one of the more than 7,000 passport acceptance facilities across the country. You can also submit your application by mail. To find out more specifically what to do in your situation, follow our guides.

Discover our guides

Passport rules per destination

Every country in the world has its own entry requirements, which may include more than simply having a passport. To help you understand what are the rules for your destination, we’ve created dedicated guides. Don’t forget to check the government website of your destination before booking a trip.

Discover our guides

Multiracial group of people is having fun at the pool party on their vacation in a luxury villa.

Travel hack

10 all-inclusive vacations, no passport needed

But a passport is always required for international travel, whether you’re taking an all-inclusive vacation in the Caribbean or going on safari in Africa. However, you do not need a passport to travel to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico.

Young African-American couple doing check-in at airline check-in counter at international airport

Do US citizens need a visa for the UK? A look at the ETA rules

Everything you need to know about entering the UK with a US passport, including the ETA rules.

A smiling young backpacking couple eagerly checks their passports while waiting in a queue.

SENTRI vs Global Entry: compare the programs

To make international travel easier, consider applying for a Trusted Traveler Program, including Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and SENTRI.

An airplane's shadow on a lush green golden beach.

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All our passport and visa articles in one place

Passport and visa requirements vary by destination. Below, you'll find everything you need to know—from how biometric passports work to understanding visa rules and travel authorizations. Explore our expert guides to make your journey smoother and stress-free.

Flying

What is ETIAS? A guide to Europe’s new entry requirement

More than 1.4 billion people will need to obtain ETIAS clearance to travel to Europe starting in 2026.

Stefanie Waldek

7 min read

Confident woman in a wheelchair on vacation in a tropical location

Flying

Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii?

As a domestic destination, Americans and US permanent residents can travel to Hawaii without a passport.

Stefanie Waldek

6 min read

Closeup of group of young adults showing their passports to the camera. They are at a train station, ready for their summer trip.

Flying

A dive into the different passport colors and their meaning.

Find out about the meanings of passport colors of different countries around the world.

Brittany Muldoon

5 min read

Flying

What are the world’s most powerful passports, and how does yours rank?

The strength of our passports impacts our access to the rest of the world, determining both our tourism and…

Brittany Muldoon

5 min read

Smiling man sitting at table with open book, his partner taking picture with cell phone in foreground

Flying

How to take a passport photo at home: a helpful guide

Learn the step-by-step process and tips for taking a passport photo at home to ensure it meets the necessary…

Mike Harvey

9 min read

An airport terminal with empty seats and a glimpse of an airplane that just took off through the glass windows.

Flying

Do I need a passport to fly domestic? What you should know

If you are preparing for a domestic flight, this is the essential guide to everything regarding passports for domestic…

Jeanifer Brekling

6 min read

A big cruise ship sailing across an ocean.

Flying

Do you need a passport for a cruise: An essential travel guide

A complete guide to find out if a passport is required for cruises and some travel tips for you.

Mike Harvey

6 min read

Turquoise water and a beach with islands in the background

Flying

Do you need a passport for the U.S. Virgin Islands? A complete guide

Discover passport requirements and travel tips for the U.S. Virgin Islands for a smooth travel experience.

Mike Harvey

6 min read

STREET VIEW OF COLOURFUL COLONIAL STREET IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO

Flying

Do you need a passport to go to Mexico? A detailed guide

Are you traveling to Mexico? Discover if you need a passport and the top tips for your next Mexico…

Mike Harvey

6 min read

Two large bull elk in Banff National park. November.

Flying

Do you need a passport to go to Canada? We got the answer

Do you need a passport to go to Canada? Find out what legal papers will allow you entry plus…

Jeanifer Brekling

6 min read

Two women framed by palm trees as they walk along Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Flying

Do you need a passport to go to the Bahamas? Let’s find out

Check out this article to discover the required travel documents and tips for an enjoyable visit to the Bahamas.

Jeanifer Brekling

6 min read

A bright cityscape with multicoloured residences on the slopes by the sea.

Flying

Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?

This guide will help you find all the information on the documents needed for your next Puerto Rico trip.

Jeanifer Brekling

6 min read

How did KAYAK build this guide?

KAYAK worked with top travel writers who are experts in travel logistics, particularly regarding Americans traveling abroad. These writers produced guides to the most commonly asked questions regarding U.S. passports and international travel. While each guide was carefully vetted for factual accuracy at the time of publication, international travel rules can change quickly. Always check the government website of your destination before you book a trip and in the days leading up to departure for any policy changes.

Young Asian business woman going on a business trip. Business and leisure travel.

More travel tips: all about flying

Once you have your passport and the necessary visa or authorization, it's time to enjoy the journey! These helpful guides on flights will come in handy—especially if you have a long-haul flight coming up.

a family of four at the airport check-in

All about flights

Flying with kids: tips, advice and essential information

Duncan Madden

11 min read

A happy couple with their toddler sitting inside the aeroplane.

All about flights

Flying with a baby: the complete survival guide

Duncan Madden

11 min read

A curly-haired woman smiles as she looks out the airplane window.

All about flights

New airline routes in 2025: Here’s how much money (and time) you can save.

Blane Bachelor

8 min read

Luggage with colourful travelling essentials with facemasks, refillable bottles and a passport.

All about flights

Get comfy onboard with these long flight essentials

Brandon Schultz

7 min read

A man in business attire holds his phone in his right ear and stands by the glass walls of an airport departure area.

All about flights

Fly in style: how to get cheap Business Class tickets

Duncan Madden

8 min read

All about flights

How to get cheap flights last minute

Andrea Bennett

7 min read

Find the best hotels

Mastering the art of flying is just the beginning—now, explore our hotel guides. Because reaching your destination is only part of the journey, we’ll help you find the perfect hotel or accommodation to fully immerse yourself in your adventure.