A passport is more than just a little book with your picture in it — it’s your key to the world and one of the most important identification documents whenever you leave the U.S. Here are just some of the benefits of having a passport.
1. Gain Your Ticket to Travel
You can fly domestically with a U.S. passport, and you can also enjoy flying internationally. Traveling to other countries opens your eyes to different cultures and experiences. Lose yourself in the stunning scenery in Ireland, or enjoy delicious meals in the Philippines. U.S. passport holders can travel to 151 countries and territories with just a passport — no visa required.
The United States has one of the top 50 best passports in the world, offering citizens the chance to travel visa-free to some of the hottest destinations. Traveling abroad has many benefits — you can find inspiration, reduce your stress and get away from the busyness of everyday life.
To travel to these countries, you must have a valid passport. The U.S. Department of State defines a valid passport as one that’s valid for six months or more beyond the expected dates of your overseas travel. Some airlines won’t let you board your flight if you don’t have a valid passport.
2. Broaden Your Work Horizons
One key benefit of having a passport is being able to work overseas. Earn some pocket money while enjoying the sun-kissed beaches of South Africa, or take that job promotion in Canada. International work experience looks fantastic on resumes and may improve your future prospects.
Popular overseas job offers, like ESL teaching positions, are great opportunities to travel the world and enjoy a job with other fantastic perks. However, these positions often require you to have a valid passport upon application. The schools have strict opening times and usually want teachers who are ready to board planes as soon as possible.
While government employees can get special issuance passports, others can’t as they’re only for people on official business for the U.S. government. If you get a job offer, like a teaching position in South Korea, you wouldn’t be able to get a special issuance passport, so it’s in your best interest to have a valid passport before seeking job opportunities overseas.
3. Fulfill the Prerequisite for a Visa
While a U.S. passport alone grants you access to travel to 151 countries and territories, you’ll need a visa to go anywhere outside those locations, such as India and Egypt. Let’s say a friend or family member surprised you with a vacation. Having a passport makes the entire process so much easier.
Being prepared with a passport means you won’t have to stress over filling stacks of paperwork and taking passport pictures if you ever do need to go overseas within a limited time span. For some locations, a passport is all you need to apply for a visa, which could save you even more time.
4. Gain New Opportunities by Studying Abroad
If you meet the passport rules and regulations, many study abroad programs will open up for you. Spending a semester or a few years in an overseas educational program can give you a substantial competitive edge. It shows employers that you can thrive in new and unfamiliar environments and work as a team player.
Aside from the potential employment benefits, studying abroad may foster a sense of belonging and create transformative learning experiences. Learning new cultures and ways of living can also build knowledge and emotional intelligence about people from other lifestyles. It also improves social skills, ensuring you can build strong connections wherever you go.
A valid passport allows you to take on study-abroad opportunities. These opportunities usually have very limited submission times, so having a passport ready to go lets you submit your application earlier.
5. Find International Love
While finding love is definitely not one of the top reasons why you should travel abroad, it may be a perk. One of the benefits of a passport is being able to meet people all around the world. You can form meaningful friendships and maybe even find love.
Some people prefer to find romantic connections outside of America for various reasons, such as being interested in other cultures, values or lifestyles. However, you can’t travel overseas to build relationships if you don’t have a passport.
About 60.52 million Americans use online dating services to meet potential romantic partners worldwide. If you meet the love of your life online, the last thing you want standing between you is a passport. Having a valid passport means you can travel to spend time with international partners freely.
6. Stay Prepared for Potential Emergencies
While you can get a same-day passport, some emergencies call for an immediate response. Why would you need a passport in an emergency? Perhaps a loved one is ill or your best friend just had a baby. Having a passport means getting to these big life situations more quickly.
If a tragedy occurs, you want to be there for your loved ones. A life-or-death emergency passport is only granted for an immediate family member living outside of the United States, so it won’t help if you need to attend to a friend or other relative. Additionally, you need to start the process of applying for a life-or-death emergency passport two weeks in advance.
If you don’t have the luxury of time, already having a passport means you can book a flight and be there in an emergency without worrying about extra steps to get a special passport. It’s also important to be prepared with an emergency passport checklist to prevent additional issues if you’re going overseas.
7. Possess a Universally Respected Proof of Citizenship
A passport should be number one on your list of things to bring to an airport. The U.S. passport book and card are the two main types of passports issued in America. You can also use them instead of a state-issued Real ID for domestic travel.
Having a passport on you proves your right to be in the country you’re visiting or in an American state. It comes in handy if law officers ask for your ID in other countries and can also help you get into clubs and parties as it proves your date of birth.
Get a Passport With 24 Hour Passport and Visas
Are you ready to get a passport? We are a state-registered passport and visa agency specializing in offering same-day passports and visas at affordable rates. We’re experts at creating happy customers who are no longer stressed about the passport process thanks to our fast and efficient systems and staff. Book an appointment at 24 Hour Passport and Visas, and let us help you get there faster.