Are You Passport Ready? Do You Need A Visa?
As your trusted travel agent I recommend you apply early for a new U.S. passport or renew early if your passport is due to expire. The U.S. Department of State recommends renewing your passport nine months before it expires. However, some countries require U.S. passports to be valid for up to six months after your travel dates, so it’s a good idea to renew your passport even earlier. There are options to get an expedited passport if necessary.
Are you visiting a country that requires a Visa? If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel outside the U.S., you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. 
Passports
How do you apply or renew your U.S. passport?
There are a couple ways you can apply for a U.S. passport. You can use the U.S. Department of State TravelStateGovPassport or for more expert personalized and expedited assistance use my trusted partners CIBTvisas.
Processing times and requirements can vary so please read carefully when applying or renewing your passport. Expedited passports are available by mail only with an increased fee. These usually arrive within 2-3 weeks. If you need your passport in less than 14 days you can apply for urgent travel but will have to visit a passport agency or center (there are a select few around the country). You can apply or renew your U.S. passport through the U.S. Department of State at TravelStateGovPassport.
If you want or need expert personalized assistance with applying or renewing your passport or you need it even faster than 2-3 weeks you can use my trusted partners CIBTvisas at CIBTvisas. Their services can get your passport renewed as quickly as 3-5 days with a service fee.
Important Fact: Passport Book or Card?
As your travel agent I will tell you to only apply/renew a U.S. passport book. If you want a card for identification that is fine but it is not valid for international travel by air. The card is really only good for U.S. citizens who travel by land and see to/from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and some Caribbean countries.
Visas
How do you apply for a visa? Learn how to find your destination’s visa requirements.
Depending on your destination, as a U.S. citizen you may need a visa to enter certain countries. Some countries allow visa free entry for U.S. passport holders, but it is essential to check for the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before traveling. Some countries will not permit entry without a visa. You can look up each country you are visiting to view the requirements and instructions on visa requirements and how to apply. The U.S. Department of State has a section on Americans traveling abroad at TravelStateGov Visa Americans Traveling Abroad.
If you want or need expert personalized and expedited assistance with applying for a visa/visas or you need it faster than 7 days you can use my trusted partners CIBTvisas at: CIBTvisas.
Important Fact: Do you need a single entry visa or multiple entries for each country? Plan carefully.
Single entry visas allow one entry into a country and are typically limited to a specific duration of stay. You need to plan your itinerary carefully and may need to apply for a re-entry visa before leaving the country.
Multiple entry visas allow multiple entries into a country within a specified time frame. They can be more cost-effective for frequent travelers and can allow for longer cumulative stays.
You now have the tools to ensure you are travel ready. I am here to make your travel dreams come true! Get in touch!
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