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Helpful Resources

COVID-19 Update: Safely Working for You

You can now apply for routine service and expect to receive a passport in 10-12 weeks. You also have the option of paying an additional $60 for expedited service to receive your passport in 4-6 weeks.

These processing times apply to applications submitted by mail and in-person at an acceptance facility in your community. Most acceptance facilities such as post offices, clerks of court, and libraries are open and accepting passport applications. We encourage you to apply by mail when possible because it is a safe, contactless option for certain services. 

All of our agencies and centers are processing passport applications. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect our workforce and customers, we are prioritizing in-person appointments at our agencies and centers for customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (3 business days) due to a life-or-death emergency. Many agencies and centers are offering a limited number of appointments for customers who have urgent international travel in the next 72 hours (3 business days) for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency.

Learn more about our current state of operations on our COVID-19 Update page and our Frequently Asked Questions page.    

Health & Safety Measures

As destinations begin to open and travel slowly returns, sectors within the tourism industry have developed new guidelines to ensure the health and safety of guests, team members and local communities. Airlines, hotels, and other service providers are working closely with their local governments and health officials to update and improve these protocols as needed, given the fluidity of the current situation. We highly encourage you to review all available information when planning your future vacation so that you can have the best experience possible.

TripTrust™ Hotels

TripTrust™ is an exclusive designation for hotels and resorts that have reported compliance with third-party health and sanitation protocols, or other certified partners, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Look for the TripTrust™ logo and know at-a-glance which resorts are following trusted industry guidelines.

International Travel

U.S. Travelers in Europe

If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, we urge you to check the websites of the relevant U.S. embassies or consulates for information on restrictions, foreign quarantine policies, and urgent health information provided by relevant authorities.  

Some European countries currently prohibit entry by tourists and other non-essential travelers. We recommend that you visit the websites of those countries' embassies in the United States for additional information including entry/exit restrictions and permissible categories of travel.

For information on the March 11, 2020 Presidential Proclamation on travel to the United States from and transiting through Europe, see our Frequently Asked Questions here.

 

US Government: Your Safety is Our Priority

Before You Go

Country Information

While Abroad

Emergencies

Pack Safe for Passengers

For a safe start, check the chart

TSA Exemption for Hand Sanitizer: The TSA will allow one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags until further notice. Since these containers exceed the standard allowance typically permitted through a checkpoint, they must be screened separately. This will add some time to your checkpoint screening experience. All other liquids, gels and aerosols brought to a checkpoint continue to be limited to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in a one quart-size bag. TSA's special procedures for traveling with medication. For checked bags, the limits for toiletry and medicinal articles still apply: 17 fl. ounces per bottle and 68 fl. ounces total.

Some of the common toiletry and electronics items you may have packed in your baggage may be considered dangerous goods, also known as hazardous material. Most dangerous goods are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage. There are a few exceptions for some personal items such as toiletries, medicines, battery powered electronics and assistive devices. Dangerous goods discovered that are improperly packaged, not permitted in baggage, leaking, or hidden/artfully concealed are subject to civil and criminal penalties as appropriate.

Tipping Etiquette: A Guide for Travelers

Even the most experienced traveler can sometimes be tripped up by tipping etiquette. Sure, you know you’re supposed to tip your tour guide something — but how much? When you’re calculating the tip for your dinner, do you need to include taxes and that pricey bottle of wine? And is it ever acceptable to withhold a tip for poor service?

Q: What’s a good rule of thumb for tipping tour guides (and drivers)?

A: On a short bus tour (several hours or less), tip your guide 10 – 20 percent of the cost of the tour. Give it to him or her when you say goodbye. Charter and sightseeing bus drivers are also tipped in certain cases: when drivers double as guides, $1 per person per day. When the driver has been particularly amiable, the person in charge of a private charter sometimes asks each passenger to contribute $1 or more to a tip pool. On a longer tour with no built-in gratuity, each passenger should give $5 – $10 to the guide and another $5 – $10 to the driver.

You should not tip tour guides at national parks or other government sites.

Q: Should you always tip the driver of the airport car rental shuttle? How much?

A: Yes. Especially if the driver helps me with my bags, I’ll leave a dollar or two (typically a dollar per bag). It’s also nice to tip if the driver has held the shuttle for you. Similar rules apply to drivers of airport parking lot shuttles.

Research Your Next Destination & Excursions

Shore Excursions
Why pay more. Book your cruise excursions in advance and save. Just enter you cruise and sail date and book your amazing adventure.

Land Trip Excursions via Viator
Explore the destinations with shared or private tours in exotic locations. Take a look at some of the offering.

Trying decide where to vacation? Take a look at some of these options on our Funjet link. We will then set up a free consultation with you.