U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs

Wondering if you qualify for online passport renewal? Here are the key requirements:
✅The passport you are renewing is/was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older.
✅ Your passport is either expiring within one year or has expired less than five years ago.
✅ You live in the United States (either state or territory).
✅ Your most recent passport is in your possession and was never reported as lost or stolen.
✅ You are comfortable paying online and uploading your own passport photo.
Learn more at travel.state.gov/renewonline and ALWAYS make sure you’re on the official site ending in “.gov” (not “.com,” “.us,” or “.org”).

Not sure how to go about applying for your U.S. passport? Follow the Smith family as they get ready for their first international trip. Choose the Smith whose situation is most like yours for step-by-step instructions on how to apply or renew.

How to Apply for a U.S. Passport: A Family Guide Learn how to apply for a U.S. passport for every member of your family, from infants to grandparents, with clear step-by-step guidance.

Hiking, climbing, and skiing accidents are a common cause of injury and death among American travelers overseas. Here are some top mountain safety reminders from U.S. embassy colleagues handling these cases:
✅Never hike alone. Never hike or climb without proper footwear and protective equipment.
✅ Prepare for altitude sickness and drink sufficient water.
✅ Remain on marked trails and avoid dangerous or fast-moving rivers.
✅ Let family/friends know in advance where you will be going and register at mountain huts (if available).
✅ Check with locals about weather conditions impacting mountain safety.
✅ Be mindful of accessibility and connectivity issues that might hinder emergency response.

Go Team USA! 🇺🇸

Reminder! Some popular international travel locations experience extreme heat during the summer months and often do not have air conditioning. Do your research and make sure you’re prepared for the weather. Stay hydrated to avoid heat stroke. Learn more about your destination at travel.state.gov/destination.

The Boston Passport Agency recently celebrated its 100th anniversary! This milestone highlights the State Department’s LONG history of providing efficient and secure passport services to the American people. Thank you to our team in Boston for keeping this legacy alive – last year alone they processed more than a half million passport applications and they’re on track to exceed that number this year. Happy Anniversary, Boston!

For U.S. citizens who scored FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets for a match in Mexico or Canada: have fun and be safe! The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in each country are ready to assist you in an emergency. Keep this important safety and security information on-hand – just in case!

Passport PSA: Unofficial novelty or souvenir stamps may seem fun, but they are NOT allowed in your U.S. passport and may cause problems when you travel. Stamp them in a notebook or journal instead!
Do not write or add markings to any passport pages other than your signature or emergency contact information. Learn more at travel.state.gov/new

Middle East: Due to high tensions in the region, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly. We remind U.S. citizens in the Middle East of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments. The State Department Travel Advisories for Bahrain, Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates remain at Level 3 – Reconsider Travel. Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and Yemen remain at Level 4 – Do Not Travel.
Find the latest alerts and advisories at https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/global-events/middle-east.html

Do you know someone traveling to Mexico or Canada for a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match? Share this post with them as a reminder to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (step.state.gov) so the U.S. embassy can be in touch in case of an emergency.