Young African American woman at airport holding passport.

The ultimate passport guide

Getting a passport is the first step for international travel. We share all the information you need to know about the process, plus other advice for international travel, from ETIAS to Global Entry.

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If you’re an American looking to travel abroad, the first thing you need to do is get a passport. This collection of helpful guides shares everything you need to know about the process, as well as offers tips for making international travel as easy 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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ETIAS: The new requirement to travel to Europe

Many countries require Americans to apply for visas or to pre-register their travels online. Beginning in 2025, this will include ETIAS for travel to Europe.

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The passports in the world

Each country issues its own passport, which allows its citizens to travel the world. But not every passport grants access to every country. International relations play a big role in who is permitted to travel where, and with what documentation.

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

In 2023, the most powerful passport based on international access is Singapore (192 locations), followed by Germany, Italy and Spain (190 locations each).

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

A dive into the different passport colors and their meaning

Did you know that countries can choose their own passport colors? Most are blue, red, green, or black; standard U.S. passports are blue.

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.

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More travel tips

Once you receive your passport, keep it in a safe location in your home. Don’t forget to take note of your passport’s expiration date. Mark the date one year prior on your calendar to remind yourself to renew it. Protect your passport when you travel, as it’s your way home! And to answer more of your questions about travels, explore some other guides:

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Popular destinations, no passport needed

U.S. citizens do not need passports to travel to U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. And they do not need passports to travel between states, so popular vacation destinations like Florida, Hawaii and Alaska are all within reach.