International Flight Information

Traveling to foreign countries can be an exciting and memorable adventure.  The best way to make sure your trip is successful, is for you to learn about what is required for International travel and flights and how to be prepared.

The International Flight Information Manual (IFIM) provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a valuable resource for both pilots and passenger for preflight travel.

The IFIM site provides links to various general topics important to international flying; i.e. Passports, NOTAMs, Flight Security, Flight Interception Procedures, Flight Planning, North Atlantic Procedures, Communications, Aeronautical Charts, Air Navigation, and Border Crossing Registration.

Pilots should always check with a country's aviation department or a local aviation handler when planning a trip outside of the United States.

The Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) exists to serve Americans traveling or residing abroad. Their primary goal is to meet the needs of American citizens while providing them with premier customer service.

ACS administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program.

ACS supports the work of our overseas embassies and consulates in providing emergency services to Americans in cases of arrest, death, crime victimization, repatriation, medical evacuation, temporary financial assistance and welfare-and-whereabouts cases.

ACS  assist in non-emergency matters of birth, identity, passport, citizenship, registration, judicial assistance, and estates. ACS+ can facilitate the transfer of funds overseas to assist U.S. citizens in need, repatriate the remains of loved ones who have died overseas, assist with medical bills, assist victims of crime, and help U.S. citizens who are detained in foreign prisons. In other words, ACS+ is there to assist you and your family whenever and wherever they can.

Whether you are traveling overseas for business, pleasure or study, the best way to ensure a carefree and relaxing trip is to prevent problems before they happen. The more you learn about passports, visas, customs, immunizations, and other travel basics, the less likely you are to have difficulties during your travels.

Tips for traveling abroad: The following links will provide you the information that you should know when planning your trip.

Transportation Security Administration - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), formed immediately following the tragedies of Sept. 11. The agency is a component of the Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for security of the nation's transportation systems.

With their state, local and regional partners, the TSA oversee security for the highways, railroads, buses, mass transit systems, ports and the 450 U.S. airports.

Overseas Security Advisory Council - The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) is a Federal Advisory Committee with a U.S. Government Charter to promote security cooperation between American business and private sector interests worldwide and the U.S. Department of State.

Current travel warnings: Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid a certain country. The Web site provides a list of countries that have warnings and the date they were listed.

What travel documents do you need to enter a foreign country? Different situations require different documents.

Passports - Passport processing times have increased due to high volume. This is the link to the only official U.S. Government website for passport information.

Effective January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens traveling by air  to and from Bermuda and the Caribbean are required to have a valid passport to enter the United States.
 
As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Bermuda/Caribbean by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.  Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.  American citizen travelers are encouraged to apply for a U.S. passport, or the passport card when it becomes available, well in advance of anticipated travel.   American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.

Visas for entry into foreign countries - This listing is for U.S. citizens traveling on tourism/business and does not apply to persons planning to emigrate to foreign countries.

The website provides the information you need and a list of all the foreign countries and their passport, visas, and immunization requirements.  Be smart and plan ahead to make your trip a success.