U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs

U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs U.S. Dept. of State Consular Affairs. The U.S. government's official source for information on U.S. state.gov/tou Department of State. citizens abroad.

passports, safe and secure international travel, and our efforts to keep America safe by issuing visas to qualified visitors. Official account of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Our highest priority is to protect the lives and serve the interests of U.S. We also help U.S. citizens travel by issuing millions of U.S. passports each year. We keep our country safe and facilitate lawful travel to

U.S. borders by issuing U.S. visas to qualified visitors, workers, and immigrants. We are proud to be the public face of the Department of State, representing the best of U.S. values to millions of people around the world. Posts are for informational purposes only, and are not legal advice.

If you’re traveling internationally, we always recommend enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) befor...
08/21/2026

If you’re traveling internationally, we always recommend enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before you go.

STEP is how U.S. embassies and consulates contact Americans in the area with safety alerts about everything, from transportation strikes to severe weather and security threats.

You set the time period for receiving alerts and can unsubscribe at any time. Learn more at step.state.gov.

When traveling abroad, don’t rely on what someone told you OR what you remember from your last trip. Requirements change...
08/19/2026

When traveling abroad, don’t rely on what someone told you OR what you remember from your last trip. Requirements change. Be sure to check the following at travel.state.gov/destination before each trip:

✅ Your passport’s expiration date and the passport validity rules for your destination country.

✅ Visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA) requirements (for example, Americans need an ETA to travel to the UK and a visa to travel to Brazil and India)

✅ Local laws and prohibited items. Pay close attention to medications that may be legal in the United States but illegal where you’re traveling.

✅ The current Travel Advisory. We assign a Level 1 – 4 for each country and go into details about why for each.

✅ STEP subscription. Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov so the U.S. embassy can be in touch about any safety alerts during your trip.

Back to school already? Those school holidays will be here before you know it. Before the school holiday rush, make sure...
08/17/2026

Back to school already? Those school holidays will be here before you know it. Before the school holiday rush, make sure your family is passport-ready.

For kids under 16:
📌Passports are valid for 5 years only.
📌Passports must be applied for in-person each time (no renewing by mail or online!).
📌Check out all the requirements here at travel.state.gov/passports.

It’s storm season. Save phone numbers for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate when traveling to a storm-prone destinat...
08/13/2026

It’s storm season. Save phone numbers for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate when traveling to a storm-prone destination abroad and sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov before you travel to receive weather alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate in the event of a major storm.

When consular officers detect fraudulent documents in a visa application or uncover information suggesting an individual...
08/12/2026

When consular officers detect fraudulent documents in a visa application or uncover information suggesting an individual may be a potential threat, we immediately alert all appropriate U.S. government agencies. We are coordinating to protect national security and keep criminals and bad actors out.

Traveling abroad for the total solar eclipse on August 12? Here are some tips! 🌒 Research before you go → travel.state.g...
08/11/2026

Traveling abroad for the total solar eclipse on August 12? Here are some tips!
🌒 Research before you go → travel.state.gov/destination
🌒 Sign up for STEP → This is how the U.S. Embassy sends security alerts and can contact you in an emergency
🌒 Note your nearest U.S. Embassy → Save their contact info now, not later
🌒 Bring eclipse glasses → Your eyes will thank you!

U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world are ready to assist U.S. citizens in need. Travel smart, stay safe, and enjoy one of nature's greatest spectacles.

Did you know that your passport has a QR code on it (either a sticker on the back OR printed inside the book depending o...
08/05/2026

Did you know that your passport has a QR code on it (either a sticker on the back OR printed inside the book depending on when your passport was issued) that takes you to travel.state.gov/mypassport for everything you need to know about next steps, including:
- Signing your passport
- Receiving your supporting documents
- Protecting your passport
- Updating your Trusted Traveler information
- And how to stay informed when you travel abroad

Don’t let your vacation end before it even begins! Here are four common reasons American travelers are denied entry into...
08/03/2026

Don’t let your vacation end before it even begins! Here are four common reasons American travelers are denied entry into another country and how to avoid them:

1️⃣ Not enough validity remaining on U.S. passport – Many countries require at least six months validity remaining beyond the dates of your trip. Look up your destination’s entry requirements at travel.state.gov/destination.

2️⃣ No visa or electronic travel authorization – Each country has its own entry requirements, and many require foreign visitors (including Americans) to get a visa or electronic travel authorization before arrival.

3️⃣ Lost passport on plane/in airport (more common than you think!) – Avoid putting your passport in the seat-back pocket and keep it in a safe spot while moving through the airport.

4️⃣ Packed something not allowed in destination country – Some common items in the United States (certain medications, fresh produce, CBD and medical ma*****na, etc.) are banned in other countries. ALWAYS look up local laws and what you can and cannot pack at travel.state.gov/destination before you go.

Ceuta, Spain: The Department of State updated the Travel Advisory for Spain to raise Ceuta to Level 3 - Reconsider Trave...
08/01/2026

Ceuta, Spain: The Department of State updated the Travel Advisory for Spain to raise Ceuta to Level 3 - Reconsider Travel due to unrest. The massive and uncontrolled arrival of migrants from Morocco to Ceuta may lead to unpredictable and dangerous security situations. Spain has deployed the Spanish military, Spanish National Police, and Guardia Civil as a result of this serious situation. Americans should reconsider travel to the area given the risks posed to their safety and security. Read the full Travel Advisory: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/spain.html

Middle East: Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepa...
08/01/2026

Middle East: Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions. Some airlines in the region have postponed resumption of earlier flight schedules; others have cancelled some routes. Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation. Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region. Those who do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions. Read the latest country-specific alerts at: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/global-events/middle-east.html

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