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travel documents
 

Permits, Visas, Passports and other documents are required for travel. The links on this page will provide information on the documentation you will need, where to secure the proper applications and forms and how they should be processed.

Document Advisory: Please be advised that the U.S. Government is proposing that the current Western Hemisphere passport exemptions be phased out. That means that new passport rules for all U.S. citizens and other travelers coming to and leaving the United States will be put in place. The proposed rules will be phased in as follows:
•December 31, 2005 – Passports required for all air and sea travel to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central and South America.
•December 31, 2006 – Passports required for all air and sea travel to and from Canada and Mexico.
•December 31, 2007 – Passports or other accepted travel documents required for land border crossings to and from Canada or Mexico.
The proposed rules for the different phase-in dates will be finalized over the coming months, but regardless of the timeframe, by January 1, 2008, all Americans departing and returning to the United States will be required to have a valid U.S. passport. This will undoubtedly cause a backlog in getting passports as these rules take effect. It is advised that you get your passport now, before there is a rush (and before there are any more price increases.)

Passports: The U.S. Department of State's Passport Services Office provides all the needed information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.

Visas: The U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs provides entry requirements of foreign countries and general information on documents and procedures for obtaining a visa. It provides addresses and phone numbers for foreign embassies and consulates in the the U.S. Requirements frequently change so it is advisable to check directly with the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting.

Records and Statistics: Information on how and where to obtain birth, death, marriage or divorce certificates in each state.

U.S. Customs Information: General documentary requirements for all persons, regardless of citizenship or residence, arriving at a U.S. port-of-entry. Here you can also obtain information about the rules governing items brought back from your travels. 

International Driving Permit:  When traveling overseas, it can be helpful to carry an International Driving Permit ... even if you're not planning to drive. Should you need to communicate with foreign authorities, this form of identification can help you get on your way more quickly.

Vital Documents Bureau: An independent agency that can help expedite the process of obtaining official copies of your birth, marriage, death or divorce certificates.

Travel Document Systems: This private company is a visa and passport processing agency.