Useful Travel Information

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1. Application 

Passport applications can be picked up at your local Post Office or you can out Form DS-11 online at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html,  print it out, and take it to the Post Office with you. Please be sure not to sign it yet because a Post Office employee will need to witness your signature. 

2. Passport Photo

Have your passport photo taken before you go to the Post Office, or some can even take it while you're there.  Many drug stores like CVS offer Passport Photo services for a small fee. 

3. Gather Up Your Documents

To apply for a passport, you will need

• A birth certificate as proof of citizenship
• A Driver's License, Military ID or other form of government-issued identification
• 2 Passport Photos
• Make a copy of your birth certificate and your driver's license and take those with you as well

Once you have submitted all of the documentation, your application and paid the application fees, you are all set.  In a few weeks, your brand new passport will be mailed to your home, along with your birth certificate (although this will be mailed back to you separately).

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, is a free service to allow US citizens/national traveling abroad to enroll with the local US Embassy or Consulate. This program can be of great assistance if you have an emergency while traveling outside of the US, whether that trouble is legal, medical or financial.  They can provide names of local attorneys, loans to destitute Americans, or information about dangerous conditions affecting your travel. You can enroll here:

https://step.state.gov/step/

Want to learn ore about Trusted Traveler Programs like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?  Click the link below:

https://ttp.dhs.gov

Are you a frequent flier in the US?  Depending on your home airport and destinations you fly to, Clear may save you a lot of time at the airport.  Learn more below:

https://www.clearme.com

One of the biggest things to consider when traveling is insurance.  Many people believe incorrectly that their health insurance will work in foreign countries or that their credit cards will cover unforeseen medical expenses, trip delays, trip cancellations and baggage loss.  In some cases, it will, but not all.  Make sure you call your insurance provider to see exactly what is covered while traveling abroad.  Next, check the credit card insurance terms and conditions of the card you used to book your trip.  Learn more about travel and your health here:

http://trip.ustia.org/health/

You can also purchase your own travel insurance policy here:

https://www.trawickinternational.com/?agent=15509