When Do You Need a Passport?

When it comes to planning a trip, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, when do you need a passport? Most trips outside of the United States will require one, unless your itinerary fits into one of the following exceptions:

Closed-loop cruises, cruises that begin and end at the same US port. For these cruises, a birth certificate and driver’s license will suffice, though it’s better to have a passport in case you need to fly back home for an emergency or to another port if you miss the boat.
Land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. For these trips, you can use either a traditional passport, a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license (assuming you live in one of the handful of states that offer them), a NEXUS card, FAST card or a SENTRI card.
If you are a NEXUS cardholder, you can travel by air to certain Canadian airports with only a NEXUS card. Eligible airports are listed here.

If the trip you’re planning doesn’t meet one of the qualifications listed above, you need a passport. Additionally, if you frequently travel abroad or have close friends, family and/or business contacts living abroad, you should maintain a valid passport.

When to Apply

If you know you need a passport, you should apply for one as soon as possible. If you don’t want to pay extra for expedited processing, allow more than six weeks for new passport to arrive. If you use the Department of State’s expedited processing option, expect to wait three weeks.

If your passport is expiring in the next nine months, be aware that many countries require you to have six months of validity left on your passport to clear customs, no matter short your intended stay is. Time your renewal application accordingly.

If you are traveling in two weeks or less, you can either make an appointment at one of the 24 regional passport agency offices, or use a private company like RushMyPassport. We make it easy to get your passport delivered quickly by providing hands-on help with the application and then personally delivering it to the Department of State for processing in as little as 24 hours. Contact us for help getting a passport or a passport renewal today!

13 Responses

July, 28th 2012mayte
we live in Glendale, Az. am going for my kid to Rocky Point , i have passport card but my fiance doesn't, he needs one?
- July, 29th 2012Alison Kroulek
  If you're driving to Mexico, he needs one of the following: a passport or a passport card, an enhanced driver's license with an RFID chip (please check with your local DMV to see if this is available for your state), or a NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI card. If you are flying, you both need a passport book. Hope this helps!
July, 27th 2012H B
Hi, a friend myself and my tow daughters over the age of 18 will be going on a road trip to Vancouver,BC will we need a passport?
- July, 29th 2012Alison Kroulek
  Hi HB, You will need a passport or a passport card. Alternately, if your state offers an enhanced driver's license with an RFID chip, you can use that, or if you're a member of the NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI trusted traveler programs, you can use your membership card. Hope this helps!
July, 12th 2012laura
do i need a passport to visit Casselman, Ontario?
- July, 15th 2012Alison Kroulek
  Hi Laura, If you're traveling by plane, you need a passport book. If you're traveling by land, you need a passport book, a passport card, an enhanced driver's license (with an RFID chip, not available in every state) or a NEXIS, FAST or SENTRI card (these are trusted traveler programs). Have a great trip!
June, 26th 2012joan
do you need passport walking over to canada from niagra falls
- July, 1st 2012Alison Kroulek
  Hi Joan, You need a passport, a passport card, an enhanced driver's license (with an RFID chip, not offered in all states) or a trusted traveler card like a NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI card to get back into the United States from Canada traveling by land.
June, 3rd 2012hernandez
does my 16 year old daughter need a passport on our way back from mexico by land
January, 17th 2012Marlene
Does a child under the age of 5 need a passport? U.S. citizen, traveling out of Florida to Eastern Carribean?Thanks!
- January, 17th 2012admin
  Hi Marlene, It depends on whether you're flying or sailing. If you're flying, the baby needs a passport. If traveling by sea, all you need is the birth certificate. Hope this helps!
January, 8th 2012Jack
I owe back child support. Can I still go on a closed loop cruise? Since I can't get a passport but have my DL and BC. Cruise is from long beach to ensanada then back to long beach
- January, 11th 2012Alison Kroulek
  Hi Jack, Yes, you should be fine with just a DL and a birth certificate.

When Do You Need a Passport?

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