travel documents washington dc

Travel Document Systems

Review Highlights

“ But they also reassured us as time passed that we were going to get our visas in plenty of time and they were right. ” in 16 reviews

“ I called TravelDocs , they said no worries. ” in 4 reviews

“ I contacted 5+ agencies to get my passport expedited, and each one told me it would be a minimum of four weeks due to COVID . ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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1625 K St NW

Washington, DC 20006

N 17th St & N 16th St

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About the Business

Travel Document Systems Inc, is a US Passport and Travel Visa expediting service headquartered in Washington DC Travel Document Systems, Inc. (TDS) is a leading travel visa and US passport processing agency. For the past 33 years, we have served travel agents, tour operators, cruise lines, NGO's as well as corporate and individual international travelers. We provide expedited visa processing for U.S. citizens for countries which require a visa, Canadian citizens where there is no diplomatic representation in Canada, and U.S. permanent residents of other nationalities with visas for many countries. Our visa and passport processing agency offices are located in Washington DC, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Seattle, and Los Angeles, just steps away from the embassies, consulates, and the U.S. Passport Agency. TDS is your "one-stop-shop" for visa and U.S. passport processing. Many visas that might otherwise take weeks or months to obtain by direct correspondence can readily be processed within days because of our frequent contact with embassies and consulates. Our visa and passport processing agency provides a complete array of expediting services for both individual and group travel, including tourist and business visas, e Visas and US passport renewal processing, as well as special services involving legal and commercial documents. …

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I am working to get a passport in about 2 months. Called the number on the website at 8:45am. Got a woman who was borderline, no, definitely rude -- "The call has rolled over to my personal cell phone. Obviously we don't open until 9am." Well, that WAS NOT obvious on the website. The entire first page doesn't mention their hours. She was speaking quickly, when I replied she said "let's just slow this down!" (Yes, do let's!) Anyway .... I have yet to use the actual services (doubt I will, I'm looking up other options in DC), but their customer service is off to a raging 0 stars. If that woman ever reads this review: No one knows that the phone number they say to call on your website if local in DC ROLLS OVER TO YOUR PERSONAL CELL. That is something to take up with your supervisor/company, not tell customers in a way that seems they are bothering you 'before 9am!' Just so rude that I'm actually taking time in my morning (before 9am, lol) to type this up.

I have not as yet received my order but I do understand that it takes longer because of Covid so I am not as yet concerned but I would appreciate an update as to where the documents are at this point. Still at the embassy getting the visa stamped in? Back to the location of Travel Documents, there in Washington? Waiting for a further response from you.

I contacted 5+ agencies to get my passport expedited, and each one told me it would be a minimum of four weeks due to COVID. TDS made it happen in half the time. They were efficient and kept me updated the entire time. Can't thank them enough.

Great service, quick and efficient, and kept constant communication.

Traveldocs.com always makes visa processing simple and easy and there has never been any mistakes in the 15+ years using their service. Pat S.

I think using TDS was very easy. It looks like all is well and I have our travel Visas for Australia and New Zealand. It would be great to have a document that was more official, but it looks like all is in order.

I received the most Excellent service from the Houston Texas location. The service was professionally done and expedited in short span of time. Thank you so very much!!!

I couldn't recommend TDS more strongly. I needed a new passport quickly after receiving my US Citizenship. I completed the order online on the Sunday and went to their offices to hand over my documents on the Monday morning. Unfortunately, I was unaware that I had to have my documents processed at a Post Office first, but Tofigh (my assigned rep) at TDS helped me with everything. He personally walked with me to the local Post Office, helped get the documents processed and handled the rest. Now, 3 days later my new passport is in my hands. Amazing customer service.

I completely agree with many previous reviewers that TDS is a complete SCAM! They must have been written previous good comments because there is no way this company can get even 1 star. They are abusive, rude and have no idea what they are doing. All the information on their website is so ridiculously wrong. If you want to save your money, just stay away from this ridiculous company.

How to start... saved up for years to have a great honeymoon and one spelling "auto correct" error caused my name to be misspelled. My wife made the booking but caught the error a week prior to the vacation. Customer service told us they will "call the airline and approve us to fly" LIES.... we get to the airport day of our trip and are told we cannot fly internationally by delta because my last name was off by one letter. We tried to get the mistake corrected according to the websites policy, but they didn't care. They even had me on speakerphone so the entire staff could laugh at my situation. (Long story short we had to rebook our entire trip at the gate for our two week planned vacation..$6500 bucks lost) will never recommend as you get terrible assistance. If they would have told us they couldn't reissue the tickets under my correct spelled name I would have saved $4500 as I could have rebooked sooner. We will be seeking council as they stole our money and lied to us several times saying we will be ok to fly even when they knew we wouldn't!

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Travel Document Systems Passport Service

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

They offer all types of passport processing including same-day service. TDS has ample experience serving travel professionals, tour operators, cruise lines, corporations and individual travelers. TDS also assists United States permanent residents and citizens of other nations in the rapid acquisition of essential travel documents for international travel - whether for pleasure or business.

Passport Services Offered

• New Passports
• Passport Renewals
• Rushed Passport Replacements
• Passports for Minors
• Passport Name Changes
• Additional Passport Pages
• Second Passport

Passport Expediting Fees

• Expedited - 10-12 business days - $105
• Rush - 8 business days - $179
• Priority - 4 to 5 business days - $249
• Emergency - 2 business days - $239
• Same Day Processing - $399
• Photo Fee - $12

Visa Expediting Fees

• Tourist Visas: (Fees may vary by country)
• Regular processing - 12-14 business days - Approximately $99 per visa
• Rush processing - Approximately $159 per visa
• Express processing - Approximately $239 per visa
• All Other Visas (Fees vary by destination and nature of the travel)

Shipping Fees

• FedEx Overnight - $33
• FedEx Saturday - $41
• FedEx First - $85
• Local Area Courier Delivery - $30
• FedEx Inbound to TDS Office - $32

Accepted Payment Methods

• Money order (adds a $5 processing fee)
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)

Other Services

• Document Legalization
• International Travel and Medical Insurance
• New, recent updates, and changes in the Travel Industry
• Travel Resources

Contact Information

• Website: www.traveldocs.com
• Email: support AT traveldocs.com

Washington D.C. Office

• Address: 1625 K Street NW | Suite 750 | Washington, D.C. 20006
• Toll-free: 800-874-5100
• Local: 202-638-3800

New York Office

• Address: 415 Madison Avenue | Suite 1414 | New York, NY 10017
• Toll-free: 877-874-5104
• Local: 212-647-1122
• Fax: 212-366-0690

San Francisco Office

• Address: One Embarcadero Center | Suite 552 | San Francisco CA 94111
• Toll-free: 888-874-5100
• Local: 415-399-1515
• Fax: 415-399-1001

Houston Office

• Address: 5353 West Alabama St. | Suite 307 | Houston, TX 77056
• Toll-free: 866-797-2600
• Local: 713-975-9200

Los Angeles Office

• Address: 5455 Wilshire Blvd | Suite 2105 | Los Angeles, CA 90036
• Toll-free: 888-424-8472
• Local: 323-330-0346

Atlanta Office

• Address: Two Ravinia Drive | Suite 500 | Atlanta, GA 30346
• Toll-free: 844-252-1460
• Local: 678-855-7057

Seattle Office

• Address: 13704 Second Ave NE | Tulalip, WA 98271
• Toll-free: 888-838-4867
• Local: 360-572-5048

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? 2. What exactly does a passport expediter do? 3. Are passport expediting services legitimate? 4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? 5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting .

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International Visitor Information

Washington, dc is a diverse city that welcomes many international visitors every year. read on for some helpful travel tips..

Please note that some of the information below may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latest information on the city’s current operating status, please check out our travel status update . Please reach out to the Destination DC team at (202) 789-7000 if you have any additional questions.

Starting Nov. 8, vaccinated international travelers were welcomed back to the U.S. Learn more about  international travel guidance.

What are the passport & visa requirements.

All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable. International visitors who need a visa to travel to the U.S. can utilize the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Wizard tool to learn what documentation is required and how to obtain it.

Do I need to fill out an ESTA application for visa-free travel?

Yes, all eligible international travelers who wish to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization. Note: Anyone assisting international clients coming to the United States should be aware of a significant number of Internet scams involving the new ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) procedures. Clients should be directed to only use the official government site .

Do I need travel insurance?

There is no compulsory or government plan in the U.S. You are advised to purchase travel and health insurance in case of an emergency.

Can I tour or visit an embassy?

Many embassies offer guided tours with prior notification, and they’re an essential starting place for any international visitors who wish to tour the White House during their visit. Go to https://os.dc.gov/service/dc-embassies to find contact information for each of the more than 150 embassies in DC.

How far are the main airports/ how to get into the city from the main airports?

What is the customs process.

You must complete customs and immigrations formalities at the first point of arrival in the U.S., whether or not it’s your final destination.

How do I book visits to popular attractions?

Visit the links below to learn how to visit each of these popular DC sites.

• White house
• U.S. Capitol
• Arlington Cemetery
• Library of Congress
• Smithsonian

What are the electricity standards in Washington, DC?

The electricity used in Washington, DC is standard electricity, which is 110 volts. Appliances brought from Europe, Africa and most of Asia and Latin America will require a voltage transformer.

Does DC have any sister cities?

You can see a list and read up on DC’s sister cities on the DC government’s

In the City

What is the time zone in washington, dc.

Washington, DC is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (Greenwich Mean Time minus four hours during daylight saving time, from March through November, and minus five hours the rest of the year).

How can I use the Internet or stay connected during my stay?

• AT&T’s network runs on 850/1900 MHz. T-Mobile’s frequency runs on 1700/2100 MHz.
• Public wireless internet can be found in most DC coffee shops as well as hotel rooms for a charge.
• Free public wirless internet is offered at DC Public Libraries. Visit dclibrary.org for locations.
• Hotels – Hotel websites will list in what areas they offer complimentary service. You can purchase internet service on a daily rate if complimentary is not available.
• National Mall – Internet coverage is available in front of the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Capitol Visitors Center, limited hotspots throughout the Smithsonian museums and the Enid Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle. Two additional outdoor hotspots include the Hirshhorn Museum and the plaza beside the National Museum of the American Indian.

How do I make telephone calls?

When calling within the U.S. from one area code to another, dial 1, followed by the area code and the seven-digit telephone number.

What currency is used in Washington, DC?

In Washington, DC and throughout the United States, the U.S. dollar is the standard currency. This converter allows you to determine the value of other currencies compared with the dollar.

Below are some of the many places where you can exchange your currency for American dollars:

Travelex Currency Services, Dulles International Airport Terminal

Travelex Currency Services, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Travelex Currency Services, Reagan National Airport

Travelex Currency Services, Union Station

AAA Mid-Atlantic, 1405 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

CXI Currency Exchange International, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 1st Floor Food Court

• American Express Travel Service, 1501 K St., NW, Washington, DC 20005

How much are the goods and service taxes?

DC Sales Tax is 5.75% (exemptions include groceries and prescription and non-prescription drugs).

Restaurant meals and drinks: 10%

Rental vehicles: 10%

Parking in commercial lots: 12%

Hotels: 14.5%

How do I know how much to tip?

Tipping is voluntary; gratuities are not automatically added to the bill except in some cases for large groups. Tipping guidelines: servers 15%-20%; taxi drivers 15%; doormen, skycaps and porters $1 per bag.

What local laws should I know?

If you're headed out for a night on the town, you should know that the drinking age in Washington, DC – and throughout the United States – is 21, and smoking is banned in public places throughout the city, including bars, restaurants, subways and taxis. Cigar smoking is permitted at cigar bars that register with the city. In Washington, DC, those who are 18 or older can purchase cigarettes and tobacco.

Which important phone numbers should I know in Washington, DC?

Here are some important phone numbers to keep handy during your Washington, DC visit.

Emergencies (police, fire or ambulance): 911

One-stop service for DC government services, numbers, and information: 311 or 202-737-4404

Directory assistance: 411

Metro Visitors Kit: 1-888-638-7646

Official Visitor Maps (available in Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, and Japanese): 1-800-422-8644

How do I rent a car in Washington, DC?

To rent a car within the United States, you will need to already have a driver’s license issued by your home country. See below for more information on obtaining this permit. Rental cars can be picked up at all Washington, DC major airports. It is recommended to make reservations in advance. American car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. For more information on getting around in DC, click here .

What is a SmarTrip Card and where can I get one?

What types of multilingual services are offered in washington, dc.

The White House Visitors Center, Kennedy Center, Library of Congress and other attractions offer brochures on site in several languages.

• The Smithsonian Institution provides multilingual information at the visitors center in the Castle Building.
• Complimentary foreign language tours are available by appointment at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art , National Museum of Asian Art Freer and Sackler Galleries , Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden . Visit their websites or call each museum for information and booking.
• The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum has handheld digital language guides available for rent on their first floor on a first-come-first-served basis.
• National Archives offers visitors guides in 6 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Simplified Chinese and Japanese
• Mount Vernon offers translated content for trip planning as well as audio tours in Chinese, French and Spanish. Printed maps and guides to the estates are available in ten languages.

Do you have any more questions?  Contact us  and we’ll answer them for you.

More About DC

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Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
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• MyTravelGov |

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Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents, homepage for replacing and certifying documents.

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About the Office of Authentications

Authentication Certificate Requirements

Requesting Authentication Services

Apostille Requirements

Notarial and Authentication Services at U.S. Embassies and Consulates

Authentication of American Academic Credentials for Use Abroad

About Our Office

Learn what we do and how you can request our services on the About the Office of Authentications page. 

Requirements for Authentication Certificates

Learn how to prepare your document to be authenticated on our Requirements page . Authentication certificates are for documents you use in countries that do not participate in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty.

Requirements for Apostilles

Learn how to prepare your document for an apostille on our Requirements page . An apostille is for documents you use in countries that participate in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty.

How to Mail Your Request

Learn how to fill out Form DS-4194 and mail your request to the Office of Authentications.

Address and Hours of Operation

Mailing Address:

U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications 44132 Mercure Cir. PO Box 1206 Sterling, VA 20166-1206

8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday-Friday (closed federal holidays)

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External Link

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Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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• Create Account

Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

Use the chart below to determine where you must file your Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , if you are not filing online via myUSCIS.gov.

If you do not submit your application to the appropriate direct filing address, it may take longer for us to process your case.

We generally send parole requests filed by individuals currently in removal proceedings or previously removed from the United States to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for review.

Call the  USCIS Contact Center  at 800-375-5283 (TTY: 800-767-1833) for assistance.

E-Notification : If you want to receive an e-mail and/or a text message that we have accepted your form at a USCIS lockbox, complete  Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance and clip it to the first page of your form.

About Travel Document Systems, Inc

Travel Document Systems, Inc. (TDS) is a leading visa and passport processing agency. For the past 33 years, we have served travel agents, tour operators, cruise lines, NGO's as well as corporate and individual international travelers. TDS specializes in travel that involves visas for more than one country.

We provide expedited visa processing for U.S. citizens for countries which require a visa, Canadian citizens where there is no diplomatic representation in Canada, and U.S. permanent residents of other nationalities with visas for many countries. Our visa and passport processing agency offices are located in Washington DC, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Seattle and Los Angeles, just steps away from the embassies, consulates, and the U.S. Passport Agency. 

TDS is your "one-stop-shop" for visa and U.S. passport processing. Many visas that might otherwise take weeks or months to obtain by direct correspondence can readily be processed within days because of our frequent contact with embassies and consulates.

Our visa and passport processing agency provides a complete array of expediting services for both individual and group travel, including tourist and business visas, e Visas and U.S. passport renewal processing, as well as special services involving legal and commercial documents. TDS can adapt quickly to changes in visa requirements since most changes are made by foreign countries without notice, and can often be effective immediately.

About Travel Docs

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• Washington, DC - Headquarters
• Houston, TX
• New York, NY
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA

• Institutions
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• Questions & Answers
• Contact: +1 202-265-8790
• Email: [email protected]

AMBASSADOR'S MESSAGE

Welcome to the embassy of cameroon in washington, dc . our utmost goal is to provide reliable and credible information on cameroon. i hope that you will find the information you need to have a better understanding of cameroon and our services.

The Embassy and Services

Embassy overview.

The Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon in the United States of America is charged with representing Cameroon in accordance with international treaties and laws.

Embassy Services

The functions of the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon in Washington DC include:

-Communication Center -Cultural Section -Economic Section

The Ambassador

This website provides useful information to travelers, students, cameroonians, and entrepreneurs. It offers an in-depth view of the rich and diverse cultural, geographic and linguistic heritage of Cameroon.

Consular Services

provides information to applicants about the procedures for acquiring entry visas to Cameroon, Cameroonian passports, Travel Documents or Consular Cards, and other types of requests.

Application Procedure

Applications may be submitted IN PERSON BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, or BY MAIL.

Application Forms

- Visa & Consular Card - Passport - Travel Document - Birth Certificate - Others

Application Procedure HERE!

Popular News and Events

Cameroon television news, latest videos from crtv, cameroon government ministries.

• Presidency of the Republic
• Presidency of Cameroon
• The Parliament
• Prime Minister's Office
• Basic Education

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• Environment & Nature Protection
• External Relations
• Forest & Wildlife
• Higher Education
• Livestock, Fishiries & Animal Inds.
• Mines, Industry & Technological Dev't
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• Public Service & Admin. Reform
• Public Works
• Scientific Research & Innovation
• Secondary Education
• SMEs, Social Economy & Handicraft
• Social Affairs
• Sports and Physical Education
• Teritorial Admin. & Decentral'n
• Urban Development & Housing

Popular Links

• Ministry of Communications
• Ministry of Commerce
• Ministry of Tourism
• Min. of Teritorial Admin. & Decentral'n

Embassies & Consolates

• Embassy of Cameroon in Paris
• Consulate of Cameroon in Paris
• Cameroon High Commission London
• Embassy of Cameroon in Berlin
• Cameroon High Commission Ottawa
• Other Cameroon Embassies Abroad
• Cameroon Tribune
• www.postnewsline.com
• L'Effort Camerounais
• Quotidien Lejour
• La Nouvelle Expression
• Discover Cameroon

Radio & TV

• ENEO Cameroon
• ADAX Petroleum

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TSA is prepared for the expected increase in Memorial Day Weekend travel from DC area airports

As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared to handle an increase in the number of travelers who will be flying out of Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

For the first time ever, TSA will likely be screening more than 3 million passengers nationwide in a single day at some point this summer. We have already recorded four top 10 busiest days this month, with this Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day expected to see more than 2.9 individuals screened at checkpoints across the nation.

“At Dulles, we expect to provide security screening for anywhere from 39,000 passengers on our two busy days, Thursday and Friday, to 34,000 on the Sunday before Memorial Day.  That is an average increase of 12% over 2023.” said Scott T. Johnson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Dulles. “With the increase in air travel it’s important that passengers get to the airport early and come prepared to go through the checkpoint screening process efficiently.  The Officers at TSA Dulles look forward to this Memorial Day weekend and to your safe travels.”

At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, TSA expects to screen approximately 8,000 more travelers per day for the holiday weekend than during an average weekend, explained John Busch, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. That marks a 10 percent increase over 2023 checkpoint throughput.  “We ask travelers to know the contents of their bags to ensure that they don’t have any prohibited items inside. This will help ensure a smooth passage through our checkpoints,” he said. 

TSA continues to deploy new technologies at checkpoints to enhance security, which is why it is important for travelers to listen to and follow the guidance offered by TSA officers. TSA continues to upgrade all of its primary screening technologies for identity verification and carry-on bag screening. These critical technology investments improve security effectiveness; increase security efficiency; and enhance the passenger experience. These technologies include computed tomography (CT) and credential authentication technology (CAT or CAT-2). The CT units provide a 3D image of the contents of carry-on bags at checkpoints. The CAT units scan a traveler’s photo identification, confirm the traveler’s identity as well as their flight details. The new generation of CAT units, referred to as CAT-2, have the same capabilities, but are also equipped with a camera that captures a real-time photo of the traveler. CAT-2 compares the traveler’s photo on the ID against the in-person, real-time photo. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, a security officer verifies and the traveler can proceed through the checkpoint, without ever exchanging a boarding pass. The photo is then deleted. Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial matching process can opt out in favor of an alternative identity verification process.

TSA asks that the travelling public do their part in efficient checkpoint screening by arriving to the airport two hours prior to their scheduled flight departure and know what they can – and cannot pack – in their carry-on luggage.

TSA reminds passengers to always know the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. TSA has multiple resources available to passengers to help them determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, either or neither. Travelers can use the “ Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA website or on the free downloadable myTSA app . Travelers can also tweet to @AskTSA or send a text message (275-872) if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance.

Individuals who are planning to travel this summer should consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck ®. The popular expedited screening program allows travelers to leave on their shoes, jackets, belts and enables them to keep their electronics and 3-1-1 bags in their carry-on bags. Teenagers aged 13-17 may accompany their TSA PreCheck-enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children 12 and under may still accompany an enrolled parent or guardian when traveling through the TSA PreCheck lanes anytime without restriction.

This summer is also the ideal time to get a REAL ID drivers license. We are one year out from the REAL ID deadline. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant.

Travelers should also keep these tips in mind while traveling:

• Do not attempt to bring a firearm through a TSA checkpoint; doing so compromises the safety and security of other passengers and our officers in the checkpoint.  Passengers who do attempt to bring a firearm through a checkpoint can expect to receive a civil penalty (fines may be as high as $15,000) and lose eligibility for TSA PreCheck. Additionally, local law enforcement will be called and because these passengers may present additional risk beyond the firearm, they will receive enhanced screening.
• Get to the airport early. Travelers should arrive a minimum of two hours before their scheduled domestic flights and three hours before scheduled international flights. Roadways near airports are going to be crowded. It is going to take longer to locate an available parking space at the airport. Airline check-in counters will be busy. This is all before you even get to the security checkpoint. If you find yourself waiting in a security checkpoint lane, use that time to your advantage. That’s the ideal time to remove items from your pockets and place them into a carry-on bag. It’s also the time to get out your ID and boarding pass so you’re not fumbling in your wallet for your ID when you step up to the TSA travel document checking podium.
• Know before you go. Travelers need to know what can and cannot go in their carry-on bag, from firearms to oversize liquids. Passengers will spend more time in the security checkpoint if their carry-on items trigger an alarm because it results in TSA’s need to resolve the alarm by opening the carry-on bag to determine what triggered the alarm. Use TSA’s tools for your resources. TSA offers several ways for travelers to find out if an item is permitted in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither and TSA has just launched a new higher level of assistance for travelers with questions about airport security screening procedures. Airline passengers may now send a text message using any mobile device to “AskTSA” (275-872). A virtual assistant is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more complicated questions, @AskTSA staff are available daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Twitter and on Facebook Messenger. The TSA web site has a feature on the homepage called “What can I bring?” Type in the name of the item and it will let you  know if it should be packed in a checked bag or carry-on bag. The same handy feature is available on the free downloadable MyTSA app . The MyTSA app gives users 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information on any mobile device, including a searchable database that will let you know whether an item can be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither. The app also identifies delay information and current weather conditions at your favorite airports nationwide.
• Bring an acceptable ID. Before heading to the airport, travelers should make sure they have  acceptable identification .  And remember, the REAL ID deadline is less than a year away.
• Request passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the  TSA Cares  helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to travel with any questions about screening procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint for travelers with specific needs. 
• Never leave a suitcase, roller bag, laptop bag, shopping bag, backpack or any other item unattended. And if you come across an unattended item, please alert an airport official. If you See Something, Say Something®.