American citizens traveling abroad need passports for most of
countries and visas for some. Here are a few basic rules for proceeding and safeguarding proper documentation while
you're abroad.
-
Call the embassy or consulate of your
destination to get the most up-to-date information. Visa and passport
requirements vary from country to country, and rules change without notice.
Don't rely on immigration information supplied by travel agents, airline
reservations, cruise lines, or tour operators. If they misinform you, they
won't assume financial liability when a country refuses you entry and you
have to return home.
-
To protect your passport, leave it in the
hotel safe-deposit box and carry a photocopy of the data page instead. If
the policy stop you in a country that requires you to carry your passport at
all times, most officers will let you retrieve your passport rather than
sending you directly to jail.
-
In some countries, hotel reception desks
are required to hold your passport overnight so it can be checked by the local police. If you do not get it back the next morning, report the
problem to the police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
-
To replace a lost or stolen passport, go to the U.S. embassy or
consulate. You will need to have a photocopy of the data page or other proof or identity, such as a driver's license, as well
as proof citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate. In addition, bring two passport-size
photos and the $60 replacement fee. Since most travelers don't carry their birth certificate around with
them, the State Department will in some cases accept the word of someone who can vouch for your
identity and citizenship. In order to do so, however, your witness must be able to verify his or
her own identity and U.S. citizenship.
|
(408) 262-2304