Passports & Visas

You should always have a valid passport, even if you’re not planning travel outside of the country.

Passports

United States passports are valid for 10 years and the costs range from $165 and up (depending on how soon you need one). Typical passports arrive within 4-6 weeks but can take as long as 10 weeks. Expedited services can provide you with a passport in as little as 2-3 weeks, but carry an extra $60 processing fee. Most countries require a passport expiration date of no earlier than 6 months from the date of your return from your travel. If your passport is less than 6 months from expiration you most likely will be denied travel.

You can apply for a new passport by appearing in-person at any passport acceptance facility. You may schedule an appointment for quicker and easier service, but walk-up service is also available in some locations. If you are renewing your passport, you may also apply via in-person, but also on-line and through the mail.

To apply for a new passport you must provide the following:

  • Proof of citizenship (ie. birth certificate or naturalization certificate)

  • Photo ID (ie. driver’s license, state ID or other acceptable valid government ID)

  • Completed DS-11 form

  • Two passport photos (obtain through local pharmacy such as CVS or Walgreen’s, UPS and FedEx locations)

  • Passport processing fee (check or money order)

You may track the progress of your application online by visiting the National Passport Information Center

Visas

As of 2025, US citizens require visas for 28 countries. These countries include Australia, Egypt, Kenya, Vietnam, Bolivia, and Brazil. Holders of a US passport can travel to 112 countries without a visa and 51 with a visa on arrival. Additionally, 7 countries require an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

Be advised, the United Kingdom now requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This can be done online and automatically attaches to your passport.

You may find more information on applying for visas and their requirements by visiting https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html.