Traveling to foreign countries will typically require a valid passport, an internationally recognized document which verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer, in order to enter or leave the country. Official Travel Documents provides information about specific U.S. passport types on our Passport Services page.

Most recently, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requiring passports for travel within the Western Hemisphere, has been developed and will be implemented in phases.

January 2008: The following information is based on information from the U.S. Department of State.

Current Travel Regulations (visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information):

• Implemented in January 2007, ALL U.S. citizens must have a passport if traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
• Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present a WHTI- compliant document such as a passport, OR a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license), plus proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, when entering or re-entering the United States.
• At a later date, to be determined, all persons re-entering the U.S. will require a passport or other compliant travel documents, for all air, land, or sea travel. Be sure to plan ahead and have all your documents in time for your next trip.

For more information about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, including frequently asked questions about the Initiative from the U.S. Department of State, visit:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

Additional details and/or information regarding passport requirements are listed below for your convenience.

June 8, 2007   U.S. Citizens with Pending Passport Applications Allowed
                      Temporary Travel Flexibility
                      http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Nov. 22, 2006   Passports Required for Air Travel to United States as of
                      January 23, 2007
                      http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/76752.htm

Oct. 17, 2006   Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Fact Sheet (PDF)
                      http://travel.state.gov/pdf/WHTI_fact_sheet_11_22.pdf

Oct. 17, 2006   Department of State to Introduce Passport Card
                      http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/74083.htm

May 12, 2005   Machine-Readable Passport Requirements Take Effect
                      on June 26, 2005:
                      http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2005/46138.htm