International Travel
Passports, visas, customs, duty-free, foreign airports
Can You Bring a Drone Through Customs?
Yes, you can bring a drone through customs in most countries. But some nations ban drones outright, others require advance permits, and failing to declare your drone can mean confiscation. Here's what you need to know before packing your drone for international travel.
Can You Fly Your Own Plane To Another Country?
Yes, you can fly your own plane to another country — but it takes a lot more paperwork than a domestic flight. You'll need to file an international flight plan, submit customs manifests, carry proper documentation, and potentially get overflight permits for every country you cross.
Do I Need a Passport for Australia?
You absolutely need a passport to visit Australia, plus an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) that you apply for through an app. Here's everything you need to know before you go.
Do I Need a Passport for the Bahamas?
Yes, you need a valid passport book to fly to the Bahamas. Cruise travelers have a few more options, but a passport is still strongly recommended.
Do I Need a Passport for Bermuda?
Yes, you need a valid passport book to fly to Bermuda. Your passport must be valid for at least 45 days beyond your stay. Here's everything you need to know.
Do I Need a Passport for Brazil?
Yes, you need both a valid US passport and a visa to enter Brazil. As of April 2025, US citizens must obtain an e-Visa before traveling. The visa-free era for Americans is over.
Do I Need a Passport for Canada?
Yes, you need a valid passport book to fly to Canada. Driving or taking a boat? You've got a few more options. Here's what US citizens need to cross the border.
Do I Need a Passport for China?
Yes, you need a valid US passport and usually a visa to visit China. The main exception is the 240-hour transit visa-free policy, which lets you visit for up to 10 days without a visa if you're transiting through China.
Do I Need a Passport for Costa Rica?
Yes, you need a valid passport book to enter Costa Rica. The good news: no visa required, and Costa Rica doesn't enforce the strict six-month passport validity rule for US citizens.
Do I Need a Passport for a Cruise?
It depends on your itinerary. Closed-loop cruises from US ports technically don't require a passport, but there are important exceptions. Here's what you need to know before you sail.
Do I Need a Passport for Dubai?
Yes, you need a valid passport with at least six months of validity to visit Dubai. US citizens get a free visa on arrival for up to 90 days. No pre-application needed.
Do I Need a Passport for Europe?
Yes, you absolutely need a valid passport to visit Europe. But there are some strict rules about passport validity and a new travel authorization system rolling out soon. Here's everything you need to know.
Do I Need a Passport for Hawaii?
No, you don't need a passport to fly to Hawaii from the US mainland. It's a domestic flight. But you do need the right ID, and the rules recently changed.
Do I Need a Passport for India?
Yes, you need a valid US passport and a visa to enter India. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity and two blank pages. The easiest option is India's e-Visa, which you can apply for online.
Do I Need a Passport for Japan?
Yes, US citizens need a valid passport to visit Japan. The good news: you don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Here's everything you need to know before you go.
Do I Need a Passport for Mexico?
Yes, US citizens need a valid passport to visit Mexico. Here's exactly what documents you need depending on whether you're flying, driving, or taking a cruise.
Do I Need a Passport for Philippines?
Yes, you need a valid US passport to visit the Philippines, but you don't need a visa for stays of 30 days or less. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and you need a return ticket.
Do I Need a Passport for Puerto Rico?
No passport needed. Puerto Rico is a US territory, so flying there from the mainland is a domestic flight. Here's what ID you actually need and what to expect.
Do I Need a Passport for Singapore?
Yes, you need a valid US passport to visit Singapore, but you don't need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. You will need to fill out the free SG Arrival Card online before you arrive.
Do I Need a Passport for South Korea?
Yes, you need a valid passport to visit South Korea. US citizens can stay up to 90 days visa-free and currently don't need a K-ETA through the end of 2026.
Do I Need a Passport for Thailand?
You need a valid passport with at least six months of validity to enter Thailand. US citizens can stay up to 60 days without a visa. Here's the full breakdown of what you need.
Do I Need a Passport for the UK?
Yes, US citizens need a valid passport and a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK. Here's what changed and what you need to do before your trip.
Do I Need a Passport for the US Virgin Islands?
No passport needed for the USVI. St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John are US territory. But there's a catch if you're planning to hop over to the British Virgin Islands.
Do I Need a Visa for Europe?
US citizens can visit most European countries for up to 90 days without a visa. But the new ETIAS system is coming, and it'll change how Americans enter Europe. Here's the full picture.
Domestic vs International Flight Rules: Key Differences
Domestic flights need a REAL ID or valid photo ID. International flights require a passport — and often a visa. But the differences go way beyond what's in your wallet.
How to Get a Passport Fast
If you need a passport fast, you've got several options ranging from 2-3 week expedited processing to same-day emergency service. Here's exactly how each one works and what it costs.
What Happens If Your Passport Expires Before Your Trip?
An expired or expiring passport can derail your entire trip. Here's what you need to know about the six-month rule, emergency renewals, and your options.
What Is ETIAS and Do I Need It for Europe?
ETIAS is a new pre-travel authorization that Americans will need before visiting most European countries. It's not a visa, it's quick to get, and it's coming soon. Here's what you need to know.
What Is Global Entry and Is It Worth It?
Global Entry gets you through customs in minutes instead of an hour and includes TSA PreCheck. At $120 for five years, here's why most international travelers should get it.