Traveling from the United States

What information do U.S. citizens need?

Depending upon the requirements of the country to be visited, citizens of the United States need to carry a passport that is valid six months beyond the visit or documented evidence of their citizenship and identity. In addition to a passport, some countries will require a visa. For more information, see Visa and Foreign Entry Requirements.

Current information on passports is available at the Department of State Passport Services and Information site. There is a new passport requirement for U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and the Western Hemisphere (Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada). For details, see Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

When traveling to some countries, U.S. citizens may be subject to restrictions on publishing, the exchange of information, the sponsorship of conferences, etc. See the U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanction Programs and Country Summaries.

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What information do foreign nationals need?

There are special considerations for foreign nationals who travel abroad during a longer stay in the United States. First, as do U.S. citizens, they need to determine whether they need a visa for the country they plan to visit. The Web sites of foreign embassies and consulates in the United States can provide information on visa requirements.

Second, before departing the United States, foreign nationals should review their immigration documents to be sure they will still be valid when they return to the United States. Sponsored students (F-1) and researchers (J-1) should consult their international office staff for guidance. If a visa is needed, they should also contact the U.S. Embassy in the country where they plan to travel and ask: a) whether it is possible to make an advance appointment for an interview; and b) if there are any other special procedures required such as a security review.

There is a new passport requirement for foreign nationals traveling between the United States and the Western Hemisphere (Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada). For details, see Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Security Reviews
Most visa applicants who have been approved under the Visa Mantis process will not need to undergo another review as long as they are returning to the same program and position for which they were first approved. Certain conditions apply to this policy. For further details, see Extension of Validity for Science Related Interagency Visa Clearances (February 11, 2005).

Nationals from countries on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, Iran, and Libya) must go through a special security clearance process each time they apply for a visa.

Nonimmigrants who are applying for adjustment of status to U.S. permanent resident status may travel abroad only if they have obtained advance parole from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service). Advance parole allows them to be readmitted to the United States without abandoning their adjustment application.

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General information for traveling to other countries

For additional information on traveling from the United States to another country, please visit the following sites:

U.S. Customs Information for U.S. Travelers
Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets
National Center for Infectious Diseases: Traveler’s Health

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