For information about other countries please check your governmental web site or contact the agency in your government responsible for Passports and Visas.

Passport

A passport is an official government document issued by the government of the country of citizenship that certifies one's identity and citizenship and permit's a citizen to travel abroad and enter back into the country of residence or citizenship.

Visa

A visa is an official government document issued by the government of the country that you are visiting that temporarily authorizes you to be in that country.

Who needs a passport?

Any person who enters or leaves a country must be able to provide proof of citizenship. If you are planning on traveling outside your country of citizenship, then you must get a passport.

Who needs a visa?

There are certain countries that require a visa, others do not. Some countries will issue a visa to you upon entry to the country while other countries require that you obtain the visa prior to arrival. When you are traveling to countries which require a visa in advance, then you must apply for one. There are different requirements for each country depending if the reason you are traveling to that country, the length of stay, what other visa you have and where you are originating from. Most countries outside of North America require a passport for travel, some even require a visa for that country. The Passport agency has a complete list of what each country requires: Go to requirements. For a list of Embassy and Consulates www.embassy.org.
 

When should you apply for a Passport?

You should apply for a passport as soon as you know that you will be traveling abroad. The normal time for the US Government to issue a passport is 6 weeks. During busy times it can take up to 12 weeks to get a passport. You may also have to send in your passport to a consulate or embassy of the country or countries that you are traveling to. This means that you may need to make sure that all you documentation is in order and received back to you at least a week before you travel. If you do not have that much time before you travel, you can use the expedited service which costs $60.00 more, but it will get you your passport in about 2 weeks. Please note that acquiring a passport and/or visa is time sensitive and the application process can take up to 16 weeks or more.

When should you apply for a Visa?

You should apply for a visa as soon as you have received your passport after knowing that you are going on a trip.  Many countries allow you to apply for a visa from a country other than the country of residence. There are restrictions on this as well. Please check with the local consulate in the country that you are in for any special requirements. Please note that acquiring a passport and/or visa is time sensitive and the application process can take up to 16 weeks or more.

What is required to get a passport?

To apply for a passport, you must:

Fill out the application for passport

which is available from the internet, from select post offices or other agencies.

Provide proof of citizenship

this is normally a birth certificate, but there are many restrictions and other information to be considered.

Present proof of Identity

The most common form of proof of identity is a drivers license. There are other proofs of identity that is listed on the website.

Provide 2 Passport photos

Passport photos are 2 inch by 2 inch photos of your head and shoulders. From your chin to the top of your head must be at least 1 inch, but not more than 1 and 3/8 inches.

Pay the applicable fee

Generally the cost for a first passport for a person the age of 16 and older is $67.00 plus the execution fee of $30.00 (total $97.00). The cost for a person under the age of 16 is $52.00 plus the execution fee of $30.00 (total $82.00). Renewal of a passport is $67.00. There are special circumstances and fees that may apply. For the most current information about fees please see the Department of State Passport Fees page.

Provide your Social Security Number

The IRS is requiring this and can fine a person up to $500.00 for non-compliance.

What is required to get a visa?

The requirements for a visa range from showing up in person (the country automatically grants entry visa) to applying more than 60 days before date of arrival in the country. To apply for a visa, you may have to provide some or all of the following:

• Have a current passport
• Fill out the application form (s)
• Send passport size photo (s)
• provide proof of onward/return transportation
• pay any applicable fees
• letter explaining purpose of trip
• vaccination certificates
• original letter of invitation
• Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of passport by mail

How long is a passport good for?

A passport for anyone who is 16 years old or older, the passport is good for 10 years. For those who are under the age of 16, the passport is good for only 5 years.

How long is a visa good for?

Most visas used for traveling are good for 90 days. These can be multiple entry visas or single entry visas. Educational and employment visas are normally 1 to 2 years. Immigration visas are different and have totally different requirements.

Passport and Visa comparison chart