Tagged: state-department

If You Need a US Passport in the Next Year, You'd Better Apply Now

The last time the United States faced major disruptions in the federal government, wait times for passports soared. Starting in March 2020, pandemic-related understaffing in the U.S.…

These Are the Safest Parts of Mexico for Travel in 2025

Given its sunny beaches, rich culinary and cultural traditions, vibrant cities, historic villages, and ancient ruins, Mexico is always an appealing notion for travelers from the United…

Dangerous Travel Destinations in 2025—and Where Risks Are Lower

As you plan international travel in 2025, it's wise to take into account the unusually high degree of volatility around the world right now.  In addition to ongoing crime, armed…

Wait Times for U.S. Passports Haven't Been This Short in Years!

In the first half of 2021, the United States State Department had an epic backlog of 2 million passport applications. As the Biden Administration began, the wait time for a new…

Online U.S. Passport Renewal is Now Fully Available! Here's All You'll Need

The U.S. State Department has announced that passport renewal via its website is officially open as of Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Until now, when a U.S. passport expired or was…

These Are the Safest Caribbean Countries Right Now, According to the U.S. Government

This post, originally published Feb. 2, 2024, has been updated with new information. Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department issued alarming travel warnings for Jamaica and the…

The 10 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit in 2024

Among travelers interested in visiting Africa, some of the top safety concerns often cited include crime, political unrest, and the targeting of LGBTQ+ people.  While it’s true that…

What Are the Safest Countries to Visit in South America Right Now?

In recent months several South American destinations have generated the sorts of international headlines that can unsettle tourists.  Amid reports of gang violence in Ecuador, protests…

U.S. Passport Wait Times Are Back Under Control. How Long Will It Take Now?

A year ago, as the U.S. government continued to climb out of the bureaucratic hole that Covid-19 and staffing woes had dug, the wait time for a new passport was as long as 13…

Passport Wait Times Go Up Again: Here's Where They Stand Now

The U.S. State Department seems to be having a crisis of sorts—the wait for passport renewals and applications rises by the week.Two weeks ago, we warned you about a processing…

Peru’s Machu Picchu Reopens to Tourists—but Is It Safe to Go There?

Machu Picchu, the world-renowned Inca citadel in the Andes of southern Peru, reopened to tourists this week after a nearly monthlong closure due to antigovernment protests.  Peruvian…

Online Renewal of U.S. Passports Reopens for a Limited Time

Update: The portal for renewing U.S. passports online has reopened as of October 11. In September, the window was open for less than two days before slots filled up. After October's…

Scam Alert: Passport Processing Swindles Are Booming

We've been warning you about the immense backlog of passport applications facing the U.S. State Department—up to two million people are now reportedly waiting for processing. It…

Passport Processing Is Taking Forever. Here's How to Hurry Things Along.

UPDATE, July 23, 2021: The U.S. State Department has temporarily suspended its online system for booking last-minute appointments for passport centers in order to ensure that the very…

Why You Shouldn't Freak Out Over the U.S. Adding 116 Countries to the "Do Not Travel" List

Early this week, the U.S. State Department, as it often does, updated its list of travel advisories—and the resulting headlines sparked some consternation. On the surface, headlines…

U.S. State Department Travel Advisories: Where to Find Them, How to Read Them

Pop quiz: What's the difference between a "travel alert" and a "travel warning"? If you don't have a clue, the U.S. State Department determined that you're not the only one. Widespread…

Greenwashed! Make Sense of the Travel Industry's Eco Promises

Book an airline ticket, save the planet. Re-use the towel in your hotel; stop global warming. Rent a hybrid car; reduce our dependence on fossil fuel. Lofty promises made by…