S & M Destination Travels

08/04/2026

Don’t let your vacation end before it even begins! Here are four common reasons American travelers are denied entry into another country and how to avoid them:

1️⃣ Not enough validity remaining on U.S. passport – Many countries require at least six months validity remaining beyond the dates of your trip. Look up your destination’s entry requirements at travel.state.gov/destination.

2️⃣ No visa or electronic travel authorization – Each country has its own entry requirements, and many require foreign visitors (including Americans) to get a visa or electronic travel authorization before arrival.

3️⃣ Lost passport on plane/in airport (more common than you think!) – Avoid putting your passport in the seat-back pocket and keep it in a safe spot while moving through the airport.

4️⃣ Packed something not allowed in destination country – Some common items in the United States (certain medications, fresh produce, CBD and medical ma*****na, etc.) are banned in other countries. ALWAYS look up local laws and what you can and cannot pack at travel.state.gov/destination before you go.

07/26/2026

Reminder! The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date. To see how long you can stay, check your I-94 (admit until date) at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

07/20/2026

Passport PSA for U.S. Dual Nationals: U.S. citizens are REQUIRED to enter and depart the United States on a U.S. passport. This requirement applies equally to U.S. citizens, including children, who are dual nationals. Dual national U.S. citizens may NOT use their foreign passport to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ESTA). The Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTAs for dual national U.S. citizens. If you are a U.S. citizen or national and live abroad and plan to travel to the United States, make sure you do so with a valid U.S. passport. If your U.S. passport is expired or expires soon, renew before your trip! Passports should generally be valid at least six months after the date of entry to a foreign country.

06/25/2026

If you have a medical or family emergency while on an international cruise and need to fly home, you’ll need a passport to be allowed to board the plane. This is why we always recommend cruising with a passport (book, not card). Learn more cruise travel tips at travel.state.gov/cruise.

06/25/2026

06/14/2026

How about a snorkeling day here? 💦 🐠 Enjoy and explore the beautiful and vibrant blue waters that surround Moho Caye!

📸: Lucas Goedert., Moho visitor

05/20/2026

Reminder! Do NOT use AI or digital editing tools on your passport photo. We will not accept photos that are edited or filtered. Your photo should be recent (taken in the past six months) and look like you (the TSA or CBP agent must be able to tell it’s you!). Submitting a digitally enhanced photo will significantly delay your application. Learn more about passport photo requirements at travel.state.gov/photo