Passport Scams Plague International Travelers This Summer

Passport Scams Are Hot This Summer.

If you're planning an international trip, renewing your passport might be on your to-do list. However, be cautious of online scams targeting travelers. These scams trick unsuspecting U.S. citizens into paying fees for forms that are actually free on the official government website. Worse, you might unknowingly hand over your personal and financial details on unsecured sites.

As of June 2024, eligible U.S. citizens can renew their passports online through a new test system. If you're not eligible or prefer not to use this system, you can still renew by mail.

Imagine you've planned an exciting trip abroad. You search online for passport renewal information and find what appears to be the official U.S. passport site. The website instructs you on which forms to complete and offers the convenience of filling them out online. You provide personal details like your social security number, home address, and birth date.

After completing the form, you're asked to pay a "processing fee" or "application fee." You receive an email with a PDF of your completed form and are then informed that you still need to pay for the actual passport renewal. At this point, you realize you've paid just to fill out a form, not for the renewal itself. Additionally, you may have handed your sensitive information to scammers.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received reports of such scams.

One consumer shared, “I thought I was on the official State.gov site because the URL was so similar. Only after submitting my application and payment did I realize it was a scam by the confirmation page's language.” Another person reported, "I went online to renew my father's passport, entered all his personal information, and was charged $68. This company is posing as a government agency and scamming people."

Do Your Research: Before renewing your passport, verify the process with the U.S. government. You shouldn't have to pay to fill out the required forms—only for the renewal itself.

Allow Plenty of Time: Passport processing times can vary. Factor in the time it takes for your passport to reach the agency and be mailed back. Check current processing times on the official State.gov website and plan ahead. Rushing might lead you to fall for scams promising quicker options.

Check URLs Carefully: Government websites end in .gov. Be cautious of sponsored ads or impostor sites. Ensure the website is secure before entering any sensitive information. Learn how to spot fake websites.

Be Wary of Third-Party Websites: While some passport assistance services are legitimate, always check with BBB.org and BBB Scam Tracker first to avoid sharing your information with scammers.

Stay vigilant and ensure a great holiday!

Most of the time, if you're traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that's good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don't always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it's important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver's license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we've got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don't have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you're a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don't need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It's worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there's this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn't compliant with this Act, you'll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

If you're craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won't need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it's important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.