U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs

U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs Posts are for informational purposes only - not legal advice. Terms of Use: state.gov/tou

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Var8szHInlqREVL5jC0g citizens abroad.

Official account of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. 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.

🌍✈️International flight coming up? Get your ducks in a row before you go! We present to you, travel tips from our waterf...
01/24/2025

🌍✈️International flight coming up? Get your ducks in a row before you go! We present to you, travel tips from our waterfowl friends 🦆🦆🦆

Our team is at the Los Angeles Disaster Recovery Center to help Americans replace valid U.S. passports lost in the fires...
01/23/2025

Our team is at the Los Angeles Disaster Recovery Center to help Americans replace valid U.S. passports lost in the fires. We’re accepting applications, taking photos, and waiving fees, so the entire process is free.
If you or someone you know had a valid U.S. passport lost or damaged in the wildfires, you can visit us at 10850 West Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles daily from 9am to 8pm or can also renew by mail following the process at travel.state.gov/disaster.

01/23/2025

STEP up your travel game! Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to stay in the loop with important alerts and updates.

Thanks (IG) for sharing your experience!

We want U.S. citizens to be aware of risks and make informed decisions when traveling. We use a “D” risk indicator in ou...
01/22/2025

We want U.S. citizens to be aware of risks and make informed decisions when traveling. We use a “D” risk indicator in our Travel Advisories to highlight countries we advise against visiting due to a known elevated risk for the wrongful and arbitrary detention of U.S. nationals. The following countries currently have this risk indicator:
⛔ Afghanistan
⛔ Burma
⛔ Eritrea
⛔ Iran
⛔ Nicaragua
⛔ North Korea
⛔ Russia
⛔ Syria
⛔ Venezuela

01/17/2025

The gang’s all here! 🦔🐇🐢
There’s a whole world of wonder out there, and with a valid passport, it’s yours to explore.
Check, apply for, or renew yours at least six months before you travel.
Get our official information at travel.state.gov/passport

Travel authorization? Passport validity? Vaccinations? Make sure you’ve got all your entry requirements sorted. No one l...
01/16/2025

Travel authorization? Passport validity? Vaccinations? Make sure you’ve got all your entry requirements sorted. No one likes surprises at customs! Find the entry requirements for your destination at travel.state.gov/destination.

It’s National Hat Day and these hats are SERVING.Any favorites?
01/15/2025

It’s National Hat Day and these hats are SERVING.

Any favorites?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is more accessible than you think! Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning fan, make su...
01/14/2025

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is more accessible than you think! Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning fan, make sure you have what you need to travel. Did you know most U.S. tourist visas are valid for up to 10 years? And you can apply before buying event tickets or reserving hotels or flights! Join millions of soccer fans preparing for this historic tournament.

If your valid passport was lost or damaged in the California wildfires, we may be able to waive the fees to replace it. ...
01/13/2025

If your valid passport was lost or damaged in the California wildfires, we may be able to waive the fees to replace it. Learn how to apply for a replacement when you're ready at travel.state.gov/disaster.

01/13/2025

Does anyone else do this? ✋😅
It feels good to be prepared when going abroad. Find official information on passports, travel advisories, and more at travel.state.gov and bookmark it for any future trips!

01/10/2025

Cruising with your passport can save you from choppy waters if you have an unexpected medical emergency or need to fly home early. Our advice: bring your passport when taking a cruise, even when not required. Find our other cruise tips at travel.state.gov/cruise.

REMINDER: As of January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism, or business, i...
01/08/2025

REMINDER: As of January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism, or business, including those just passing through UK airports, need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
An ETA:
- May take up to three working days to process.
- Costs £10 ($12.75).
- Is required for travelers of all ages.
- Is valid for two years or the remaining period of validity on a passport, whichever is shorter; and
- Does not require travel details.

More at https://uk.usembassy.gov/worldwide-travel-alert-new-entry-requirements-for-us-citizens-traveling-or-transiting-through-united-kingdom-airports-effective-january-8-2025/

The Department's Office of Authentications processes over 65,000 document certifications annually for overseas use. Duri...
01/08/2025

The Department's Office of Authentications processes over 65,000 document certifications annually for overseas use. During COVID-19's peak, the team worked 7 days a week, 10 hours a day, to meet urgent international business demands after shifting to mail-only service. They have since reopened their public counter for drop-off and pick-up and reduced processing times from three months to 14 days. This vital service handles documents pertaining to everything from adoptions to patents.

We issue Travel Advisories with Levels 1 – 4. Level 4 means do not travel. This is the highest advisory level due to gre...
01/08/2025

We issue Travel Advisories with Levels 1 – 4. Level 4 means do not travel. This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. Before making travel plans, look up the Travel Advisory for your intended destination(s).

The Travel Advisories for the following countries are Level 4 - Do Not Travel:
⛔Afghanistan
⛔Belarus
⛔Burkina Faso
⛔Burma
⛔Central African Republic
⛔Haiti
⛔Iran
⛔Iraq
⛔Lebanon
⛔Libya
⛔Mali
⛔North Korea
⛔Russia
⛔Somalia
⛔South Sudan
⛔Sudan
⛔Syria
⛔Ukraine
⛔Venezuela
⛔Yemen

Find the travel advisory for your destination at travel.state.gov/destination

Traveling internationally in 2025? Stay one STEP ahead by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) befo...
01/07/2025

Traveling internationally in 2025? Stay one STEP ahead by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before you go. This will help the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate reach you in an emergency and send you safety and security alerts during your trip. Enroll at step.state.gov.

01/06/2025

Planning is key when traveling with family and it’s easy to forget that kids’ passports expire every 5 years (not 10!). Check, apply for, or renew their passports at least 6 months before you go.

In our travel advisories, we flag specific risk indicators to keep U.S. citizens informed before traveling abroad. Alwa...
01/03/2025

In our travel advisories, we flag specific risk indicators to keep U.S. citizens informed before traveling abroad. Always look up the current travel advisory for your destination to see if any of the following risk indicators have been identified:

▪️ C – Crime: Widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.

▪️ T – Terrorism: Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.

▪️ U – Civil Unrest: Political, economic, religious, and/or ethnic instability exists. It may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.

▪️ H – Health: Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control Travel Notice may also be a factor.

▪️ N – Natural Disaster: A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.

▪️ E – Time-limited Event: Short-term event, such as elections, sporting events, or other incidents that may pose safety risks.

▪️ K – Kidnapping or Hostage Taking: Criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.

▪️ D – Wrongful Detention: The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals exists.

▪️ O – Other: There are potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators. Read the country’s Travel Advisory for details.

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STEP up your travel game! Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to stay in the loop with important alerts and updates. Thanks @charfromchicago (IG) for sharing your experience!

Your Pass to a World of Wonder
Your Pass to a World of Wonder

The gang’s all here! 🦔🐇🐢 There’s a whole world of wonder out there, and with a valid passport, it’s yours to explore. Check, apply for, or renew yours at least six months before you travel. Get our official information at travel.state.gov/passport

Check your passport before booking
Check your passport before booking

Does anyone else do this? ✋😅 It feels good to be prepared when going abroad. Find official information on passports, travel advisories, and more at travel.state.gov and bookmark it for any future trips!

Cruise with your passport
Cruise with your passport

Cruising with your passport can save you from choppy waters if you have an unexpected medical emergency or need to fly home early. Our advice: bring your passport when taking a cruise, even when not required. Find our other cruise tips at travel.state.gov/cruise.

Your Pass to A World of Wonder
Your Pass to A World of Wonder

Planning is key when traveling with family and it’s easy to forget that kids’ passports expire every 5 years (not 10!). Check, apply for, or renew their passports at least 6 months before you go.

Cheers to a new year of travel 🥂

With a valid passport you can spend this winter in the snow (or the sun)! Make sure to renew or apply for a new passport before booking travel and visit travel.state.gov/passport for more information.

Some things you can plan for when traveling internationally, other things you can’t. That’s why you should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov before your trip so the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can reach you if they need to.

Consular Affairs 🤝 helping Americans stay safe abroad. Translation: Consular Affairs (travelgov) is the official source of international travel information for U.S. citizens. Visit travel.state.gov before any international trip for our country-specific guidance. Remember to check your passport expiration date and renew six months before it expires. You can now renew your passport entirely online. Safe travels!

Happy International Education Week! 🌎Whether you’re a student studying abroad or a professor or advisor accompanying students, it is always important to keep in mind these tips about your passport and international safety. Safe travels! ✈️ #IEW2024

Some things abroad you can plan for... some things you can't. U.S. citizens living or traveling overseas should sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive alerts and updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate while abroad.

Diversity Visa Program 2026 Tips
Diversity Visa Program 2026 Tips

The 2026 Diversity Visa Program opens at 12:00 p.m. EDT on October 2, 2024. Thinking about entering? Here are our top tips!

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