Do I need a passport?
Where do I get a passport?
How long time does it take to get a passport?
Once I get my passport?
What if I loose my passport?

Do I need a passport?

In general, with a few exeptions, anyone wishing to cross any international border, anywhere in the world, must present a valid passport issued by the government of citizenship.

If you are considering any international travel, one of your first steps should be to get a passport. If you already have a passport, make sure that it is valid for at least six months after you are planning to return home, but preferably one year. This is very important, because many countries have regulations that your passport has to be valid a certain time, generally six months, after that you plan to leave their country.

If you don't plan to go abroad for the next few years you don't actually need a passport. In those cases National ID Cards or drivers licences will be enough. Sometimes there are agreements, that you can travel between certain countries without a passport. This is for instance the case with countries in the European Union connected to the Schengen Agreement. Make sure though that you still need a valid identification. A national ID card or drivers licence is not enough in this case. You will need a special European Union ID card. We still recommend you always bring your passport when travelling abroad unless you really are 110% sure that you don't need it for where you are planning to go.

If you show up for an international flight without a valid passport, you will probably be refused boarding. One exception can be flights withing the European Union, where often European Union ID Cards will do. Always double check with the specific airline if in doubt, or just simply bring your passport with you. On domestic flights it is usually enough for locals to show a national ID card, while foreigners still have to show their passport.

Where do I get a passport?

Where to apply for a passport depends on for what country you are applying a passport for. There are different places from country to country. It could be the town hall, the police station, the post office or other authorities. What you need for applying for a passport can also be different from country to country. In general though you need a birth certificate, a valid Photo Identification and tho qualifying photos of yourself. There are usually many regulations to how a valid photo should be, so don't do it yourself, go to a proffesional photographer or special stores, which offer these services and have experience with passport photos. We recommend you to take a bunch of extra photos if you are going to travel for a while. You will need passport photos for every visa application you make, so also take a few with you on your trip.

How long time does it take to get a passport?

Processing time for getting a passport depends on what country you are applying a passport for and the time can vary a lot. In some countries you can get a passport in a few days, while in others you have to wait weeks or even months. In some countries it is also possible to get a temporary passport in less than one day if you pay a little extra. These temporary passports are usually valid for one trip, and once you return to your home country the passport control will keep them.

Once I get my passport?

Take care of it well. Border officials may raise eyebrows and even deny you entry if your passport is in a bad shape.

Some passports are hot items on the black market. Make sure to store it on a safe place.

Make photocopies of your passport. Have one back home with family or a good friend. You can also bring one or two copies with you, but make sure you keep it separate from your original passport. Even better, scan your passport on the computer and email it to yourself. This is also a good solution with other important documents. In this case as long as you have access to the internet, you also have access to copies of all your important documents.

What if I loose my passport?

I your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the local police office at the first opportunity. Get a copy from the police report and take it to your home country's nearest consulate or embassy. It can help if you have a photocopy from your passport.

More important, don't loose your passport!

Oh, did we mention not to loose your passport!