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Please choose your government branch or enter your agency, organization, unit number or duty station name in the form field below. We will direct your inquiry to the correct travel office page for further action.

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Our mission.

We serve the world’s most important customer, and we do it better than anyone else. We make your mission our own, and deliver a travel program that engages your employees, empowers them to be more productive, and helps them navigate the unique complexities of government travel.

Whether you’re traveling for work, reporting for duty, heading home from a long trip or tour, or you and your family are taking a well-earned vacation, we’re here to make your journey as smooth as possible.

NEW: Chat with Us!

Chat with a representative to cancel a trip and/or request a copy of your invoice. You can also arrange car rentals, request an early ticket, check a ticket status, request or see the status of a refund, and resolve CTO issues. You can also notify an agent of credit card issues such as new cards, expirations, or limit changes.

Your time is valuable. Make the most of it by minimizing time spent on the phone  and managing your travel plans.

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Here is a glimpse of what CWTSatoTravel has to offer:

E2 Solutions

Track and maintain your agency's travel expenses, get or approve travel authorizations, and manage your department’s travel, all in one place. 

CWTSato To Go

Keep all your travel information in one place, on your smartphone, with our travel app. Available to all CWTSatoTravel clients. 

CWTSato Hotel Program

Get the best negotiated rates and amenities wherever you travel.

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Travel Alerts & Warnings

• Mon, 13 May 2024 Venezuela - Level 4 Do Not Travel
• Wed, 01 May 2024 Germany - Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution
• Wed, 01 May 2024 Poland - Level 1 Exercise Normal Precautions
• Wed, 24 Apr 2024 Iraq - Level 4 Do Not Travel
• View all state department travel warnings
• View all international SOS travel alerts and warnings

Stay up to date with the latest travel news and government regulation updates. Discover how you can travel smarter and save money.

Department of Defense

Civilian government agencies.

• Cancel Reservations
• Car Rentals
• Credit card has been activated
• Credit limit has been increased
• Early ticket request/Ticket status
• Invoice Request
• Refund Request/Status of Refund
• Submit back to DTS
• Update credit card expiration date

CHAT WITH US

• Request ticket status

NOTE: To make or modify your flight reservations contact your local office.

All Other Inquiries

Please use our Travel Office Locator to contact the travel counselors best equipped to answer your inquiry

Contact Your Office

Government Travel Management

We are proud to serve and protect those who serve and protect us.

Roger Hale | President & CEO

Experts in Government Travel Compliance

ADTRAV Travel Management, a global leader in travel management, began serving the U.S. government in 1985. Since then, we have successfully served numerous government agencies, including the GSA. Our many attributes include our exacting standards in security and technology. Our leadership has over 40 years of service on multiple commissions and boards while working with federal cost-reimbursable contractors. We are proud to serve and protect those who serve and protect us with compliant yet innovative travel programs, providing the most comprehensive data consolidation in the industry. Be sure to reach out today to learn more about how ADTRAV can serve your agency’s program requirements.

How We Help Government Organizations Travel

Powerful Audit Tools

ADTRAV’s advanced reporting capabilities ensure federal reimbursement requirements are met while providing an unprecedented audit trail of all transactions.

Regulatory Expertise

As a federal government contractor under GSA Schedule 599 and a designated DoD contractor and ETS2 provider, ADTRAV collaborates closely with agencies to ensure compliance while offering comprehensive support.

24/7 Availability

ADTRAV agents specializing in government travel are available around the clock, ensuring your travel needs are met while providing adherence to FTR, JTR, and FAR regulations.

Flexible Booking Tools

As an SAP Concur Elite TMC, ADTRAV utilizes its expertise in ETS2/SAP ConcurGov configurations to develop successful and compliant programs, particularly for Federal Government travel. Book your travel through Concur or GetThere Government Edition, or enter your travel parameters, and we’ll handle your booking.

Global Expertise

Our agents are experts in the language, culture, and international travel challenges. Whether simply traveling internationally or stationed overseas, ADTRAV has local global coverage for your intercontinental needs.

Travel Alerts

In today’s complex geopolitical landscape, safeguarding the well-being of travelers is paramount. Our dedicated agents place utmost emphasis on ensuring the security and safety of every journey.

Services for Government Agencies & Contractors

ADTRAV’s depth of government travel management experience has enabled us to develop the necessary operational processes, training practices, software applications, and overall expertise to effectively manage the complex and unique requirements of federally reimbursed travel.

Confidence Through Compliance

ADTRAV’s proprietary systems are configured to automatically monitor compliance with the Fly America Act, the Open Skies Agreement, the federal per diem program, parameters for premium class travel, reporting requirements regarding the use of lowest applicable airfares that meet mission requirements, and integration with The City Pair Program (CPP), a government-wide initiative designated as a Best-In-Class procurement by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), providing best value airfares for federal agencies.

Our RezIntel reporting and analytics system captures travel data generated through the reservation and ticketing process. Working with their ADTRAV account manager and with a few clicks of the mouse, clients can quickly spot trends and identify key travelers or departments for further training and support.

Customer Testimonials

“We deploy for disasters all over the country. Our orders were input incorrectly causing even more issues. ADTRAV was fabulous every step of the way. Complicating things even more, I have special needs. In this case I had to have a wheelchair and transportation coordinated in addition to the usual madness. Because of ADTRAV, our team can rest tonight. Thank you!”

“Celeste is a terrific person! I have had the privilege to work with her for several years. She is awesome and always goes above and beyond. She is a customer service guru!”

Experience the power of a consolidated technology platform

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CBP One™ Mobile Application

A single portal for multiple CBP services to streamline your experience.

Trusted Traveler Programs

Which one is best for you?

What International Travelers Should Know Before Visiting

Cbp releases trade and travel fiscal year 2021 report.

Agency Adapts to Secure and Facilitate Essential Trade and Travel amid Pandemic.

Almost a million times each day, CBP officers welcome international travelers into the U.S. In screening both foreign visitors and returning U.S. citizens, CBP uses a variety of techniques to assure that global tourism remains safe and strong. Descriptions of CBP processes and programs are available for first-time and frequent travelers.

For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling abroad, get the information you need to smoothly navigate your return back into the U.S.

For International Visitors

If you are a visitor to the U.S. coming to work, study, conduct business or immigrate, get the Information you need to smoothly navigate the process and procedures to enter the U.S.

CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs provide expedited travel for pre-approved, low-risk travelers through dedicated lanes and kiosks.

Ready Lanes

If you are a traveler coming to the U.S. through a land border Port of Entry and have a Ready Lane-eligible document, get the information you need to experience significantly faster processing.

If you are a traveler coming to the U.S. through a land border Port of Entry and have a Ready Lane-eligible document, get the information you need to benefit from dedicated primary vehicle and pedestrian lanes and experience significantly faster processing.

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U.S. Department of Commerce

• Fact Sheets

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Fact sheet: 2022 national travel and tourism strategy, office of public affairs.

The 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy was released on June 6, 2022, by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo on behalf of the Tourism Policy Council (TPC). The new strategy focuses the full efforts of the federal government to promote the United States as a premier destination grounded in the breadth and diversity of our communities, and to foster a sector that drives economic growth, creates good jobs, and bolsters conservation and sustainability. Drawing on engagement and capabilities from across the federal government, the strategy aims to support broad-based economic growth in travel and tourism across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia.

The federal government will work to implement the strategy under the leadership of the TPC and in partnership with the private sector, aiming toward an ambitious five-year goal of increasing American jobs by attracting and welcoming 90 million international visitors, who we estimate will spend $279 billion, annually by 2027.

The new National Travel and Tourism Strategy supports growth and competitiveness for an industry that, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, generated $1.9 trillion in economic output and supported 9.5 million American jobs. Also, in 2019, nearly 80 million international travelers visited the United States and contributed nearly $240 billion to the U.S. economy, making the United States the global leader in revenue from international travel and tourism. As the top services export for the United States that year, travel and tourism generated a $53.4 billion trade surplus and supported 1 million jobs in the United States.

The strategy follows a four-point approach:

• Promoting the United States as a Travel Destination Goal : Leverage existing programs and assets to promote the United States to international visitors and broaden marketing efforts to encourage visitation to underserved communities.
• Facilitating Travel to and Within the United States Goal : Reduce barriers to trade in travel services and make it safer and more efficient for visitors to enter and travel within the United States.
• Ensuring Diverse, Inclusive, and Accessible Tourism Experiences Goal : Extend the benefits of travel and tourism by supporting the development of diverse tourism products, focusing on under-served communities and populations. Address the financial and workplace needs of travel and tourism businesses, supporting destination communities as they grow their tourism economies. Deliver world-class experiences and customer service at federal lands and waters that showcase the nation’s assets while protecting them for future generations.
• Fostering Resilient and Sustainable Travel and Tourism Goal : Reduce travel and tourism’s contributions to climate change and build a travel and tourism sector that is resilient to natural disasters, public health threats, and the impacts of climate change. Build a sustainable sector that integrates protecting natural resources, supporting the tourism economy, and ensuring equitable development.

Travel and Tourism Fast Facts

• The travel and tourism industry supported 9.5 million American jobs through $1.9 trillion of economic activity in 2019. In fact, 1 in every 20 jobs in the United States was either directly or indirectly supported by travel and tourism. These jobs can be found in industries like lodging, food services, arts, entertainment, recreation, transportation, and education.
• Travel and tourism was the top services export for the United States in 2019, generating a $53.4 billion trade surplus.
• The travel and tourism industry was one of the U.S. business sectors hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health and travel restrictions, with travel exports decreasing nearly 65% from 2019 to 2020. 
• The decline in travel and tourism contributed heavily to unemployment; leisure and hospitality lost 8.2 million jobs between February and April 2020 alone, accounting for 37% of the decline in overall nonfarm employment during that time. 
• By 2021, the rollout of vaccines and lifting of international and domestic restrictions allowed travel and tourism to begin its recovery. International arrivals to the United States grew to 22.1 million in 2021, up from 19.2 million in 2020. Spending by international visitors also grew, reaching $81.0 billion, or 34 percent of 2019’s total.

More about the Tourism Policy Council and the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy

Created by Congress and chaired by Secretary Raimondo, the Tourism Policy Council (TPC) is the interagency council charged with coordinating national policies and programs relating to travel and tourism. At the direction of Secretary Raimondo, the TPC created a new five-year strategy to focus U.S. government efforts in support of the travel and tourism sector which has been deeply and disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the full strategy here

An official website of the United States government

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Complaints about travel

If you have a complaint about travel by air, land, or sea, find out where to share your complaint to get the problem resolved.

Complaints about an airline or TSA

The kind of complaint you have about an airline or an airport experience with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) determines where to go with your complaint.

• Airline service or discrimination - First, attempt to resolve your complaint with the airline. If the airline does not fix the problem, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) . 
• Airline safety - Contact the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hotline .
• Airline security - Contact the TSA through their security issue web form.
• Airport experience with TSA - Contact the TSA through their complaint web form.

Learn about your consumer rights as an air traveler and how to avoid problems.

Vacation rental scams

Vacation rental scammers may try to take your money by offering a vacation property that does not exist or that they do not have the right to rent to you.

Learn from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about vacation rental scams , including:

• How they work
• How to avoid them

If you have encountered a vacation rental scam, report it to:

• The website where you saw the listing
• The credit card or other service you used if you paid the scammer
• Your local law enforcement

Complaints about a hotel or motel 

• Begin by sharing your complaint with the front desk, manager, or customer service line.
• If you feel your issue was not resolved, contact the regional manager or another senior executive if the hotel or motel is part of a chain.
• Depending on the type of complaint, if it is not resolved, you may also contact the local health department or the state consumer protection office .

Complaints about travel agents and travel agencies

Begin by complaining to a local travel agency’s manager. If you are using an online booking service, complain to their customer service department. If your complaint is not resolved, you can contact:

• The state consumer protection office where you live or where the travel company is located
• Your local Better Business Bureau

Complaints about cruises

• If you have a complaint while you are on a cruise, contact the ship’s guest services office.
• To complain before or after a cruise, contact the cruise line’s customer service department.

If the problem is not resolved, contact the Federal Maritime Commission by email at [email protected] or download, fill out, and mail or fax their cruise dispute services request form .

Car rental complaints

If you have a complaint about a rental vehicle, try contacting the rental agency’s customer service department first. If you cannot get your complaint resolved with the rental agency, contact:

• Your state consumer protection office
• The Federal Trade Commission

LAST UPDATED: December 7, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

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Government Travel Services

• Government Online Booking Tool
• Government Event Management
• Air Services
• Corporate Online Booking
• Corporate Travel Solutions
• Corporate Event Management
• Corporate Hotel Programs
• Corporate Car Rentals
• Corporate Private Jet Rental
• Corporate Incentive Vacation Travel
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Federal, State, and Local Government solutions built with your security in mind!

National travel has over 40 years of experience working in government travel management and continues to serve some of the largest federal, state, and local government agencies with some of the toughest travel requirements there are..

From deploying thousands of travelers to natural disaster zones, to handling humanitarian teams moving through dangerous countries around the world. We know the job our government travelers are doing is vital work and they know who to trust to handle the travel arrangements.

We know every government agency is a little different and will customize your travel management to fit what YOU need out of your travel!

GSA Certification

View our updated GSA Contract that has led many government agencies to trust National Travel as their preferred travel partner.

Strategic Partnerships

National Travel works with a variety of expense management tools inclosing Concur, ChromeRiver, and many more! These relationships help make your travel program operations smooth and easy to manage.

Policy Enforcement

Our years of government experience have taught us the nuances of government travel policies and our resources help to enforce it!

Airline Ticketing Agency

We help find the most efficient, comfortable, and best route by:

• Comparing alternate origins/destinations to find the best options for you.
• Analyzing connection cities and times to avoid missed connects and create a stress-free flight experience.
• Comparing seat maps across airlines and departure times to find the most comfortable option for you.
• Give instant access to the itinerary via Email, the IT App, or our Website for quick reference.

Additional government travel services for your convenience

• Flight Insurance – We include a standard flight life insurance of up to $250,000 per traveler to cover the unlikely event of an airline accident.
• Frequent Flyer enrollment assistance if requested.
• Save all membership numbers in the traveler’s profile so you don’t need to remember them.
• Seat selection, monitoring, and purchasing, if your preference is not available, we will monitor your flight for a better seat to open up or help in purchasing a better seat at your request.
• Baggage tracking or lost baggage assistance so you can get on with your life while we track down your luggage.
• Traveler’s Rights Advisement, we know what the airlines are responsible for and how to help in any situation.
• Split Ticket Payments – We can accept multiple forms of payment on ticket purchases if needed.
• Flight Stats Monitoring – automated system that watches for any travel interruptions so you know faster and can plan ahead.
• En-Route Assistance – We are here to provide assistance or recommendations throughout your entire travel experience, so you always have a travel expert in your pocket.

Services you can depend on

Special Services

Flight stats monitoring, irregular flight operations, international travel, software that keeps a watchful eye on all our airline reservations to alert of any interruptions, delays, or cancellations so you can rest easy.

Our agents are constantly monitoring the Flight Stats system which alerts us if any reservation we have booked could suffer interruptions. This allows us to alert our travelers as soon as something comes up so we can help you to adapt faster and get back to your business. We will reach out with a phone ca

ll with new flight options already selected to get your travelers rerouted faster so they can always get where they need to be when they need to be there.

A Critical Special Service

Irregular Operations (IROPs) training is a priority for all of National Travel’s advisors. Each traveler’s flight interruption, or potential problem, is acted on in real time. On many occasions, our Travel Specialist will have already selected alternate flights for an itinerary as a backup, before the client is even aware of the issue!

Our advantage is that we research and analyze not only one airline or routing, but on multiple airlines and routing options to find the best solution. On a stormy winter day, it is not uncommon for our Concierge Group to act as triage in routing flight status reports to our Travel Advisors, who may have hundreds of these issues to work through during a daily operation. Our services, including the rerouting and re-booking of itineraries impacted by IROPs, are available 24 hours a day, without charge!

Special Service – International Desk

Our team of globe-trotting agents are able to assist with country specific travel recommendations, cultural advice, restaurant recommendations/reservations, and much more!

Our Agents will assist with:

• Passport and VISA Assistance/Procurement
• Global Entry Payment/Procurement
• Interpreter Procurement and Assistance
• International Currency Exchange
• Country Briefing Protocol
• International Meet and Greet Reservations
• International Black Car Reservations
• Rail Schedules, Ferry Reservations
• Consolidator Ticket Review
• Duty of Care- stay connected with your travelers traveling internationally.
• CDC Bulletins, State Bulletins, Embassy Locations
• In-house Monitoring, Passengers on a Plane

Participating with FedRooms and being a full-service travel agency, National Travel’s Hotel Program presents the most in selections and value.

The benefits of the program are:

• Rates are always at or below per diem
• No hidden service or resort fees unless requested by the traveler
• No minimum stay requirement
• More than 180+ plus chains

Many of the FedRoom properties also offer:

• Free Breakfast
• Free Parking
• Free Internet
• Free Airport Transfers
• Free Shuttle to Your Government Facility
• Generous cancellation policy

Being a Full-Service Agency, our program allows our agent to contact any property and negotiate the best rates on your behalf.  You never have to worry about limited space or budgets, as our agents will always work to find the best location at the best rate for you.

Government Travel Ground Transportation

• Easy Booking with any rental company through our online tool or with an agent.
• Memberships and Preferences are saved so you always get your reward points and do not need to remember any numbers.
• Assistance with Receipts and Refunds so you can get on with your day, while we take care of this for you.
• Negotiate corporate rates to gain company discounts and set up preferred vendors.

Uber and Lyft for Business Use

National Travel has organized an Uber or Lyft for Business arrangement that allows us:

• The ability to schedule rides for travelers in real-time or in advance.
• No need for your travelers to have the Uber or Lyft app.
• We track rides through an online dashboard from start to finish.
• Ability to charge your card after the ride is taken and add this to your invoice.

See why we’re different

National Travel Chase Tower Suite 100 707 Virginia Street East Charleston, WV 25301

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Americans will need Real ID to travel in 2025: Here are the requirements

The U.S. is a year away from requiring Real ID.

The United States is less than a year out from the Department of Homeland Security's federal requirement for Real ID for domestic flights and entering federal facilities, and to help you get ahead -- and avoid a dreaded hourslong wait at the DMV -- "Good Morning America" has gathered all the essential details you need to ensure your identification is up to date.

What is a Real ID?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security previously delayed the implementation of Real ID several times over the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But as of this week, U.S. residents have under a year to obtain their soon-to-be federally required form of identification.

Here's what you need to know:

The federal Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses," the DHS states on its website .

The new rules set out which forms of identification may be used to board flights within the United States and to enter secure federal facilities such as military bases, federal courthouses and other federal facilities.

Applying for a Real ID requires proof of identity, proof of residency and a trip to your local DMV. See below for more on the full requirements and application process details.

All U.S. states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories are issuing Real IDs.

Click here for additional answers from DHS to some frequently asked questions about Real ID.

Real ID application requirements

Requirements are largely similar across the states, but as of 2021, according to DHS , states are no longer required to collect a social security document from a Real ID applicant. They still must collect and retain the number as part of the application process to verify that information with the Social Security Administration as currently required by the Real ID regulations.

"Not all states have applied this, so please check with your state driver's licensing agency to find the most up to date information," the DHS website states.

In California for example, residents can apply for a Real ID by filling out an application online and upload documents before visiting a DMV office with their uploaded documents to complete the application, which should only take about 15 minutes in person, depending on wait times.

MORE: Millions of Americans could be grounded from flying because of REAL ID deadline

Here's everything California residents would need to provide for the application:

Proof of identity: One original or certified document. For example, a valid passport or birth certificate. Legal name change document is required if name on proof of identity is different from the name on the other documents such as a marriage certificate or adoption papers.

Proofs of California residency: Two documents, paper copies. For example, a utility bill or bank statement.

Social Security number: Some exceptions may apply. Click here for additional details from the DMV REAL ID page.

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What is the latest deadline for real id.

Earlier this week marked one year before DHS begins enforcing the Real ID requirement on May 7, 2025.

Starting on that date, a Real ID or other federally approved identification will be required to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Federal agencies including Transportation Security Administration may only accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards as identification for the purposes of accessing federal facilities -- including TSA airport security checkpoints -- if the license or card was issued by a Real ID compliant state in accordance with the Real ID security standards.

Enhanced Driver's Licenses issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, according to DHS , and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.

What does Real ID look like?

The Real ID looks almost the same as a current state ID card or driver's license, but has a compliant star marking.

Some differences may vary by state, such as in California, where a small golden bear appears on the top right corner with the white star on the animal's left side.

If an ID says "federal limits apply," that person will not be able to board a domestic flight or enter federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other locations after the May 7, 2025, deadline.

Does Real ID replace a passport?

The Real ID does not replace a passport for international travel, however it ensures that travelers can fly domestic within the U.S. and access secure federal locations without additional documentation, according to the DMV.

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International travelers to the US will be able to skip proof of COVID vaccine, WH says

The Biden administration will lift the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for inbound international air travelers on Friday.

"As we continue to monitor the evolving state of COVID-19 and the emergence of virus variants, we have the tools to detect and respond to the potential emergence of a variant of high consequence," President Joe Biden said in a proclamation Tuesday. "Considering the progress that we have made, and based on the latest guidance from our public health experts, I have determined that we no longer need the international air travel restrictions that I imposed in October 2021."

Biden announced the change last week , along with the end of vaccine requirements for federal employees and contractors, foreign nationals at the land border and others. The requirement for air travelers will lift at midnight Thursday as the coronavirus public health emergency ends. Biden previously  signed a bill ending the COVID national emergency  in April.

So, what does that mean for travelers? Here's what we know.

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Learn more: Best travel insurance

Why are travel refunds taking so long? Here are some tips to get your money back

Is there still a vaccine requirement for international travelers coming to the US?

Not as of later this week.

Currently, all "non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants traveling to the United States by air" must show proof of vaccination with limited exceptions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's  website .

Industry group the U.S. Travel Association, which had called on the Biden administration to  end the vaccine requirement  for inbound international visitors and argued the rule was an impediment to tourism, applauded the change when it was announced last week.

“Today’s action to lift the vaccine requirement eases a significant entry barrier for many global travelers, moving our industry and country forward," Geoff Freeman, the organization's President and CEO, said in a statement last week. He also called on the federal government to "ensure U.S. airports and other ports of entry are appropriately staffed with Customs and Border Protection officers to meet the growing demand for entry."

The U.S.  lifted a requirement  that air travelers coming from China show proof of a negative COVID test in March. The policy took effect in January amid a surge of cases in China.

The U.S.  dropped its COVID testing rule  for international flyers in June.

Do travelers need a vaccine to cross the Mexico or Canada borders to the US?

The Department of Homeland Security also said in a news release that it will no longer require non-U.S. travelers coming into the country by land or at ferry terminals to be fully vaccinated or show proof of their vaccination status.

Do US travelers need to be vaccinated against COVID to travel internationally?

That depends. Many destinations have dropped their vaccination and testing requirements for travel, though some still have rules in place. The Philippines, for example, still requires travelers to be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID test in order to visit, according to the  U.S. Embassy in the Philippines .

AI, self-service are taking over travel: Will everything become a DIY experience?

The CDC also recommends travelers be up to date on their COVID vaccinations before leaving the country. The agency defines up to date as having one updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine for people age 6 and up, which "protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5," according to its  website .

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Update May 10, 2024

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Steps to Get a Special Issuance Passport

The Special Issuance Agency (SIA) issues diplomatic, official, service, and no-fee regular passports, and supports visa processing for individuals and their eligible family members who are traveling on behalf of the U.S. government.

Note:  You may not be able to access some links on this page if you are not on a U.S. government computer or device. 

Types of Special Issuance Passports

Special Issuance Passports :  These passports are issued to U.S. government employees and their dependents. In limited circumstances, they may also be issued to non-personal services contractors. They are not valid for personal travel. Special issuance passports are valid for a maximum of five years. 

Diplomatic Passport

Entitlement to a diplomatic passport is determined by reviewing a number of factors including, but not limited to, the applicant's employing agency, employment status, travel destination, nature of assignment, and supervising authority.

Diplomatic passport books are black in color and contain an endorsement stating that the passport holder is travelling abroad on a diplomatic assignment for the U.S. government. 

Official Passport

One major exception to entitlement for official passports is military personnel assigned to NATO countries and other countries with which the United States has a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). In most cases, military personnel may enter and exit such countries by presenting their military ID card and travel orders. Eligible family members may be issued no-fee regular passports by the Special Issuance Agency, which include a pre-printed endorsement reflecting their military dependent status.

Information on country specific requirements for DoD members can be found in the  Foreign Clearance Guide .  

Official passport books are maroon in color and contain an endorsement stating that the passport holder is traveling abroad on an official assignment for the U.S. government. 

Service Passport

No-Fee, Regular Passport

• Peace Corps volunteers
• American seamen employed on no-fee U.S. flag vessels
• A U.S. citizen employee of the United Seamen’s Service
• The U.S. citizen widow, widower, children, parent, brother, or sister of a deceased member of the U.S. Armed Forces buried abroad, who intends to travel abroad under the auspices of the American Battlefield Monuments Commission to visit the graves of such service member or to attend a funeral or memorial service for such member
• Employees of the American National Red Cross (and their dependents) traveling abroad under assignment for cooperation with and assistance to the U.S. Armed Forces
• Personnel traveling on DoD invitational travel orders, such as professional entertainers, clergy, sports clinic personnel, military athletes, and persons traveling abroad to participate in a court martial
• Next of kin (NOK) traveling to visit members of U.S. Armed Forces who are ill or injured abroad

Regular, Fee Passport

The majority of U.S. passports fall under this category. Fee passport books are blue and alternately referred to as "regular" or "tourist" passports. These books are normally valid for 10 years (when issued to persons 16 and older) or five years (when issued to those under 16). Validity may be limited, however, if the applicant cannot provide sufficient documentation, has a history of lost/stolen passports, or is indebted to the U.S.

Steps to Apply or Renew

• U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
• U.S. Department of Defense - How to Apply
• Other Federal Agencies - How to Apply
• Department of State employees : PCS : Submit a request to the Bureau of Global Talent Management on the Department's Intranet.  TDY : Submit a letter of authorization signed by your bureau's executive office.   
• Department of Defense employees : PCS and TDY : Submit Form DD 1056 to an authorized passport acceptance agent at a DoD passport facility or contact the DoD Passport and Visa Office. PCS : Include a copy of your approved travel orders. 
• Other federal agency employees : PCS and TDY : Submit a letter of authorization signed by an authorized official from your agency.  PCS : Include your a copy of your travel orders
• If you are applying for a child under age 16, both parents or guardians will need to appear in person with the child. 
• Get your passport photo
• If you are in the United States and were previously issued a special issuance passport, you  must  submit it. If you are not in the United States, but have a regular passport book or card, you may submit a photocopy of it. Do not submit the original passport. Contact the nearest  U.S. embassy or consulate  or acceptance facility (if assigned to a military installation) for instructions if you are applying in a foreign country. 
• Include the original, government-issued photo ID and a clear photocopy of the front and back of this ID if you are not eligible to renew your passport.
• Department of State employees:  Go to the Where to Apply page on SIA's website for more information.     
• Department of Defense employees : Contact the DoD Passport and Visa Office, or your nearest DoD passport facility.
• Other federal agency employees : Contact your agency.
• Use the   Online Passport Status System  on a goverment computer or mobile device to subscribe to automatic email updates about your special issuance application. You can subscribe to updates as soon as your application is "In Process." Your processing times may be delayed if you receive a letter and/or email from us requesting more information.

How to Access the Special Issuance Agency's Website

SIA has a secure website that is only accessible to U.S. government employees and contractors using a U.S. government computer or device. You will not be able to access the website on your personal computer or mobile device. If you are on a U.S. government computer or device and still cannot access SIA's website, please follow these steps:

Step 1 : Obtain at least one IP number from your federal agency

• Type in ip4.me into your web browser’s address and hit ‘Enter’
• You will be directed to a page with a series of numbers (e.g. 555.555.555.5) highlighted at the top of the page. This series of numbers is your IP address.

Step 2 : Provide the top-level domain name of your agency (army.mil, state.gov, trade.gov, etc.)

• This information can be found by opening up your agency’s default web browser and looking at the URL in the address bar

Step 3 : Please send the IP address and top-level domain name of your agency to the Special Issuance Agency.

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