Your Guide to Passports and Visas for Your Next Adventure

Never had a passport before? Don’t stress. The process is pretty straightforward, and once you’ve done it, you’re good for 10 years. Here’s what you need to know.

You’ll need proof of U.S. citizenship—that’s usually your birth certificate, but a previous passport or naturalization certificate works too. You’ll also need a valid form of photo ID like a driver’s license.

Head to the U.S. Department of State’s website and complete Form DS-11. You can fill it out online and print it, but don’t sign it yet—you’ll need to do that in front of an official.

Passport photos have specific requirements: plain white or off-white background, no glasses, neutral expression. Many pharmacies and post offices offer passport photo services for around $15. Or if you’re feeling confident, you can take one yourself and print it, as long as it meets the official specs.

Find a passport acceptance facility near you—usually a post office, library, or county clerk’s office. Bring your completed form, documents, photo, and payment. As of 2026, a first-time adult passport book costs $130, plus a $35 execution fee.

Standard processing takes about 6-8 weeks. Need it faster? Expedited service gets it to you in 2-3 weeks for an extra $60. If you’re leaving in less than two weeks or need a visa within four weeks, you can make an appointment at a regional passport agency for same-day or next-day service.

Pro tip: Apply well before you book your trip. That way, you’re not stress-refreshing the tracking page every five minutes.

So, you’ve got your passport—congrats! Now, depending on where you’re headed, you might need a visa. A visa is basically permission from another country to enter and stay for a specific period. The application process varies by country, but here’s the general framework.

Tourist visas are the most common for travelers, but some countries offer visa-on-arrival or electronic visas (e-visas) that you can apply for online. Others require you to apply in advance through their embassy or consulate.

Every country has different rules. Most will ask for your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates), a completed application form, passport photos, proof of travel plans like flight bookings or hotel reservations, and sometimes proof of funds to show you can support yourself during your trip.

Visa processing times can range from a few days to several weeks, so don’t wait until the last minute. Some countries let you apply online, while others require you to mail in your passport or visit a consulate in person.

Visa fees vary widely—from $30 to $200 or more, depending on the country and type of visa. Some countries waive fees for U.S. citizens, while others charge based on reciprocity agreements.

Most countries provide a way to check your visa status online. Once approved, your visa will either be stamped in your passport or issued electronically.

The key here? Start early, read the requirements carefully, and don’t skip any steps. It might feel like a lot, but once it’s done, you’re golden.

Now let’s talk specifics. If you’re eyeing one of these incredible destinations, here’s what you need to know about visas.

• Brazil: Planning to dance at Carnaval or explore the Amazon? Good news: U.S. citizens can enter Brazil visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date. Whether you’re heading to Rio’s beaches, the Pantanal wetlands, or the crystal-clear rivers of Bonito on an EF Ultimate Break tour, you can skip the visa application and focus on packing your swimsuit.
• Egypt: Egypt is one of those bucket-list destinations that delivers on every level—ancient pyramids, the Nile, the Red Sea. U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Egypt, but here’s the easy part: you can get a visa on arrival at major airports like Cairo for around $25. It’s valid for 30 days and the process is quick. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa online before you travel, which can save you some time at the airport. Either way, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
• Kenya: Safari time. Kenya requires U.S. citizens to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. You apply online through the official eTA portal, and it typically costs around $30. The application asks for basic information, your travel dates, and where you’ll be staying. Processing usually takes a few days, so apply at least a week before your trip. Once approved, the eTA is valid for 90 days. Keep a printed or digital copy with you when you travel—you’ll need to show it at immigration.
• Vietnam: Vietnam has recently made things easier for U.S. travelers. As of 2024, U.S. citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days for tourism purposes. If you’re planning to stay longer or travel for other reasons, you’ll need to apply for an e-visa (around $25, valid for up to 90 days) or a traditional visa through the Vietnamese embassy. For most travelers on a two-week adventure through Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City, the visa-free entry makes things beautifully simple.

Here’s the best news: there are tons of incredible places where U.S. passport holders can travel without worrying about visas at all.

Most of Europe is visa-free for Americans for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, thanks to the Schengen Agreement. That means you can wander through Italy’s wine windows in Florence, explore hidden gems in Venice, hop between Greek islands, or hke through the Swiss Alps without any visa paperwork. The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Croatia also welcome U.S. travelers visa-free.

In Asia, Japan, South Korea and Thailand all offer visa-free entry for tourism. Across the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is a simple online form, not a full visa application.

Closer to home, Mexico, Costa Rica, and most Caribbean islands don’t require visas for U.S. citizens. Whether you’re after beaches, rainforests, or vibrant cities, you’ve got options that keep the paperwork minimal and the adventure maximum.

• Check expiration dates: Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Even if your passport doesn’t expire until next year, if it’s within that six-month window, you might be denied entry.
• Make copies: Keep photocopies or digital scans of your passport, visa, and other important documents. Store them separately from the originals—cloud storage works great for this. If something gets lost or stolen, having copies makes everything easier.
• Double-check requirements: Visa rules can change, sometimes with little notice. Always verify the most current requirements on official government websites before you book your trip.
• Consider travel insurance: Some countries require proof of travel insurance as part of the visa application. Even if it’s not required, it’s worth having for peace of mind.

Yes, dealing with passports and visas takes some time and attention. But it’s also the gateway to everything that comes next—the experiences, the connections, the moments that stick with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase. And with EF Ultimate Break handling the itinerary, accommodations, and logistics, you can focus your energy on the fun stuff, knowing that the travel details are taken care of.

So, get that passport application in, check those visa requirements, and start counting down to your next adventure. The world is waiting, and now you know exactly how to get there.