How to Get Your Passport Fast Before Your Next Trip Abroad
Use this guide to make sure you have the right documents in time for takeoff
When organizing a vacation abroad, you need to plan more than just your itinerary, flights, and hotel. It’s also important to have the right travel documents and, for convenience, to arrange for passes that help you speed through airport security. Here’s what you need to know:
Passport
If you already have a U.S. passport, check its expiration date. An adult passport lasts 10 years—but many countries require that it be valid at least six months past the date of your trip. To renew (or get one for the first time), go to travel.state.gov.
How fast can you get it? Processing can take six to eight weeks when you submit an application or renewal by mail. To get yours processed in two to three weeks, you can pay a $60 "expedite fee" on top of the $130 passport cost. If you need to travel abroad within 14 days, go to the Online Passport Appointment System to book an in-person appointment. You’ll need to bring printed proof of your travel date, such as an airline ticket receipt, and pay a $60 expedite fee.
Global Entry
When you return from a trip abroad, a Global Entry pass lets you zip through U.S. customs and immigration. You can apply at ttp.dhs.gov. It costs $100 for five years (but will rise to $120 on Ocober 1) and requires an in-person interview.
How fast can you get it? Not so fast: The process can take up to 11 months, and there is no way to expedite it. You can renew your membership up to one year before your expiration date. Doing so lets you keep using it up to 24 months after its expiration.
International Driving Permit
Your state driver’s license is valid when driving in Canada and Mexico, but to rent a car in other countries you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), such as one from AAA.
How fast can you get it? Filling out an application at aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html takes a few minutes. Bring the printout to a AAA office to get an IDP the same day, or mail it in, which can take a few weeks. Both methods cost $20. You can obtain an IDP up to six months ahead of travel.
A Tourist Visa
Many countries, such as Australia and India, require visas for American travelers even for short-term stays. You may be able to obtain these online. Some are free, while others have a fee. For more information on your destination, go to the State Department’s Travel Advisories page.
How fast can you get it? It varies by destination. For example, the Australian government will typically approve an online tourist visa immediately after you submit it. Others, like India, can take up to 72 hours. Check the timing before you book your travel.
What About Clear?
Similar to TSA PreCheck, this membership promises to save you time in airport security lines—but only when departing from certain U.S. airports, and very few airports abroad. So it may not save you much time during international travel.
How fast can you get it? Applying at clearme.com takes about 5 minutes, then it takes a few more minutes in person at a Clear airport kiosk to scan your biometrics. It costs $189 per year.
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the August 2024 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
