Forms and Information Links

Here is a collection of resources that can help you prepare for your trip and be helpful while you're abroad. 

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Passport Information

Click here to download a passport application form and instructions.  The National Passport Information Center is available to answer any questions you may have about the process.   To find a passport office near you, go to the Where to Apply column on this website.  This includes standard and expedited applications.

Requirements for Traveling Abroad with Minors

Traveling with children outside of the United States requires a passport for the child, regardless of age, and  additional paperwork in addition to the passport.  In an effort to prevent child abduction there are precautions put in place to insure that custodial parents are complicit with their child's foreign travel.  Both parents must sign the passport application (except in specific circumstances).  Some countries also require an unabridged copy of the birth certificate.  Check on the individual countries on the State Department link below.  If a child is traveling with only one parent, or someone who is not their parent, they are required to have some type of notarized Permission to Travel form and a Permission for Medical Treatment form in order to leave the country. 

STEP Program
The STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) is a way of registering your overseas travels with the local Embassy or Consulate in the countries where you'll be so that you can easily be contacted and directed in case of natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. 

Packing Guide
TravelSmith offers this guide  as a resource for packing for different destinations and travel experiences.

CDC Travel Recommendations

The Center for Disease Control posts current health notices and advisories for travels here.  This includes current information about the Zika Virus. 

CDC guidelines for staying healthy on a cruise.
 
The CDC offers a wealth of information on everything you need know about your destination, any required immunizations, advice for pregnant travelers and those with chronic conditions,  recommendations for care facilities and suggestions for staying healthy on your trip.

Travel Requirements and Advisories

Click here to go do the State Department Travel website.  From there, you can research any visa and passport requirements for your destinations.
Click here to go to the current list of travel advisories.

TSA PreCheck Program
The TSA offers a PreCheck Program by running a background check for travelers who want an expedited security screening. Those with a Known Traveler Number are granted privileges such as keeping many items normally run through bins inside their luggage and on their persons (shoes, belts etc.)  The average wait for those in the expedited lines is approximately 5 minutes.This is not only beneficial to frequent travelers, but also to seniors and those with medical or mobility issues, small children, travelers in the military and law enforcement. The PreCheck is good for 5 years and costs $85. 

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Quick Resources

National Passport Information Center

U.S. Department of State

Center for Disease Control