International Travel Issues for Americans
Find helpful resources for Americans before traveling outside of the U.S., including how to exchange money, get visas for certain countries, and sign-up for government travel programs and safety alerts. Learn how to apply for an international driver's permit.
COVID-19 International Travel Advisories
COVID-19 international travel rules change frequently. Check with the Department of State for travel advisories and get recommendations from the CDC before making any international travel plans to or from the U.S.
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Rules for Everyone Entering the U.S.
- As of November 8, 2021, all non-U.S. citizens, non-U.S. immigrant international travelers coming to the U.S. by air must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Accepted vaccines include FDA-approved or authorized or WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines.
- All air passengers age two and older traveling to the U.S. must be tested for COVID-19 before their flight. This rule includes U.S. citizens and everyone who has already been vaccinated. Travelers must show proof of their negative results before boarding their plane.
- As of December 6, 2021 If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get a COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight.
U.S. Citizens Traveling to a Country Outside the U.S.
For country-specific COVID-19 travel rules including testing and quarantine, check the embassy's website.
See the CDC's COVID-19 guidance for international travel including:
Passport Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Find the most up-to-date information from the Department of State about how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting passport services. This includes in-person appointments and how much time to allow for receiving a new or updating an existing passport.
Foreign Nationals Traveling to the U.S. From Another Country
Most foreign nationals who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe within 14 days of their scheduled arrival in the U.S. will not be allowed to enter the U.S.
Learn about the vaccination requirements for visitors entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico by land or passenger ferry.
U.S. Citizens Remaining in a Country Outside the U.S.
U.S. Citizens Returning to the U.S. by Land or Sea
U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. by land or sea aren't required to get tested for COVID-19 or show their vaccination status before entering the U.S. Check with the U.S. embassy travel fact sheets for Canada and Mexico to stay aware of updates to travel requirements. Also check the COVID-19 rules in the city or state where you are entering the U.S.
Visas for U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad
U.S. citizens may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Before traveling to another country, contact its embassy or consulate as far in advance as possible to find out:
Whether you must apply for a visa to visit the country, and when.
If the country has any other requirements you must meet before you can enter.
Find additional information in the U.S. Department of State's information document for the country.
Trusted Traveler Programs
Learn about the Trusted Traveler Programs to help expedite your international travel. The Department of Homeland Security offers several options based on how you are traveling between the U.S. and other countries and how often you travel outside the U.S.
Americans Driving Outside the United States
When visiting another country:
- You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or similar document in addition to your license to legally drive.
- Your American driver's license is good in the U.S. and Canada. For all other countries, check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are planning to visit.
- If you are planning to rent a car, contact the rental car company to learn about local driving and auto insurance requirements.
Get an International Driving Permit (IDP):
Note: The AAA also offers an Inter-American Driving Permit required in Brazil, Uruguay, and other countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Emergency Help for Americans Abroad
If you’re a U.S. citizen abroad or a relative of an American citizen needing help abroad, contact the closest U.S. Embassy for assistance. You can also visit "Get Help in an Emergency" on the Department of State (DOS) website.
Learn How the Department of State Can Help in an Emergency
Embassies can help with:
Learn more about the forms of assistance the Department of State (DOS) can and can't provide U.S. Citizens in a foreign crisis.
Find Help Getting Money in an Emergency Abroad
The Department of State can assist you in an emergency if you need money transferred or wired. If you have no other way to get money, you may be able to get a temporary loan through the DOS or a U.S. Embassy or consulate.
Note: If you get a loan through DOS or a U.S. Embassy or consulate, you must repay it. You can repay your loan online using Pay.gov. Call 1-800-521-2116 from the U.S. or 843-746-0592 from abroad if you have any questions.
Stay Safe When Traveling Abroad
To keep safe when traveling abroad:
Travel to U.S. Territories or Freely Associated States
U.S. Territories
If you are a U.S. Citizen traveling to and from:
- Guam - Bring your American passport, but on a case-by-case basis, photo I.D. and proof of citizenship may be accepted.
- American Samoa - You need an American passport.
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands - Does not require an American passport.
- U.S. Virgin Islands - Does not require an American passport if coming from the U.S. mainland or from Puerto Rico.
- Puerto Rico - Does not require an American passport if coming from within the U.S.
Non-U.S. Citizens have to present a valid passport or other valid travel documents.
Freely Associated States
Countries that used to be administered by the United States are considered "Freely Associated States." They are considered foreign countries and U.S. citizens will need passports to travel there:
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Last Updated: December 1, 2021