Traveling abroad? It's important you know current passport, visa, and health requirements, which vary by destination. Make sure you get all the information you need well in advance of your trip.

As of January 8, 2007, passports will be required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States via air or sea, to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

As of January 1, 2008, passports will be required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States via land as well as air or sea, regardless of destination. If you have booked a flight, hotel, rental car, vacation package, or cruise, visit the CIBT Web site for detailed information on travel requirements for the countries you're visiting, as well as those you pass through en route.

This site provides online ordering for passports and visas, including rush replacement of lost or stolen passports, and a 24-hour customer support telephone number.For more information on travel requirements, contact the U.S. embassies of the countries you're visiting.

A complete list of U.S. embassies worldwide is available at the Department of State Web site