Useful travel links
Every official site you'll need, in one place.
73 hand-picked official resources — passports, visas, airport security, health, flights, per diem rates and tourism boards. No ads, no affiliate links.
Passports & Visas
Official sources for U.S. passports, entry requirements and electronic travel authorizations. Always confirm rules with the official site before you travel.
- U.S. Passports (State Department)Apply for, renew or replace a U.S. passport, with current fees and forms.
- Renew Your Passport OnlineEligibility rules for the State Department’s official online renewal.
- Passport Processing TimesCurrent routine and expedited processing estimates.
- USPS Passport ServicesFind a post office acceptance facility and book an appointment.
- Country Information (State Department)Entry, exit and visa requirements for every country.
- Lost or Stolen Passport AbroadWhat to do and how embassies issue replacement passports.
- EU ETIASThe EU’s official site for the upcoming ETIAS travel authorization.
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES)How biometric registration works at Schengen borders.
- UK Electronic Travel AuthorisationApply for the ETA U.S. citizens need to visit the UK.
- ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)For international colleagues and guests visiting the U.S. visa-free.
Airport Security & Trusted Traveler
Screening rules, ID requirements and the trusted traveler programs that shorten lines at U.S. airports and borders.
- TSA PreCheckExpedited security screening at U.S. airports; apply and find enrollment centers.
- Global Entry (CBP)Faster re-entry to the U.S.; includes TSA PreCheck.
- Trusted Traveler Programs PortalThe official site to apply for or renew Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI.
- REAL ID (TSA)ID requirements for domestic flights and acceptable alternatives.
- What Can I Bring? (TSA)Search any item to see if it’s allowed in carry-on or checked bags.
- TSA Liquids RuleThe 3-1-1 rule for liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-ons.
- TSA CaresScreening help for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions.
- Mobile Passport Control (CBP)Free app that speeds U.S. re-entry at participating airports.
- Know Before You Go (CBP)What you can bring back to the U.S. and what to declare.
- DHS Traveler Redress (DHS TRIP)Resolve repeated screening problems or watchlist misidentification.
Health & Safety
Official health guidance, safety advisories and emergency help for U.S. travelers abroad.
- Travel Advisories (State Department)Country-by-country safety levels from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel).
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)Register your trip to receive embassy alerts and be reachable in a crisis.
- Help Abroad (State Department)How U.S. embassies help citizens in emergencies overseas.
- CDC Travelers’ HealthVaccines, medicines and health notices for international travel.
- CDC Destinations ListHealth recommendations for every country, including malaria and yellow fever.
- CDC Yellow BookThe CDC’s detailed reference on health information for international travel.
- CDC: Avoid Bug BitesRepellents and clothing that help prevent mosquito- and tick-borne illness.
- WHO Travel AdviceWorld Health Organization guidance for international travelers.
- National Hurricane Center (NOAA)Official tropical storm and hurricane forecasts for the Atlantic and Pacific.
Flights & Airports
Live flight status, airport delays, seat maps and your rights as an airline passenger.
- FlightAwareLive flight tracking and status by flight number, route or airport.
- Flightradar24Real-time map of flights worldwide, with aircraft details.
- FAA National Airspace System StatusOfficial ground stops, delay programs and airport closures in the U.S.
- DOT Airline Customer Service DashboardCompare what U.S. airlines commit to during controllable delays and cancellations.
- DOT Aviation Consumer ProtectionRefund rules, passenger rights and how to file a complaint.
- Fly Rights (DOT)The DOT’s consumer guide to air travel.
- Lost, Delayed or Damaged Baggage (DOT)What airlines owe you when bags go missing or arrive damaged.
- IATA Airline and Airport Code SearchLook up official IATA airline and airport codes.
- AeroLOPADetailed, to-scale aircraft seat maps for choosing a seat.
- FAA PackSafeRules for lithium batteries, power banks and other hazardous items.
Money & Communication
Exchange rates, currency rules, staying connected abroad and finding a U.S. embassy.
- ECB Euro Reference RatesThe European Central Bank’s daily reference exchange rates.
- FrankfurterFree, open-source exchange-rate API behind our currency converter.
- Federal Reserve Foreign Exchange Rates (H.10)Weekly release of noon buying rates for major currencies in New York.
- Treasury Reporting Rates of ExchangeQuarterly U.S. government exchange rates, useful for expense reporting.
- Money and Monetary Instruments (CBP)When you must report carrying more than $10,000 into or out of the U.S.
- U.S. Embassies and ConsulatesFind the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and its contact details.
- International Roaming (FCC)How to avoid surprise phone bills and use local SIMs or eSIMs abroad.
- Cybersecurity Tips for International Travelers (FCC)Protect your phone, laptop and accounts on public Wi-Fi abroad.
Corporate Travel Resources
Per diem rates, mileage, tax guidance and industry resources for travel managers and finance teams.
- GSA Per Diem RatesOfficial U.S. lodging and meal rates by city, widely used as a policy benchmark.
- Foreign Per Diem Rates (State Department)Official lodging and meal allowances for locations outside the U.S.
- DoD Per Diem Rate LookupPer diem rates for overseas and non-foreign areas such as Alaska and Hawaii.
- IRS Standard Mileage RatesThe current business mileage rate for vehicle reimbursement.
- IRS Publication 463IRS guidance on travel, gift and car expenses for business.
- Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)Industry association with research and education for travel managers.
- Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)State Department security information for U.S. organizations operating abroad.
- ATA Carnet (USCIB)Customs document for temporarily taking equipment and samples abroad.
- The International Business Traveler (CDC Yellow Book)Health guidance specific to frequent international business travel.
French Polynesia
Official tourism, airline, airport and entry resources for Tahiti and her islands.
- Tahiti TourismeThe official tourism board for The Islands of Tahiti.
- Air Tahiti NuiFrench Polynesia’s international airline, with nonstop flights from Los Angeles.
- Air TahitiThe domestic airline connecting Tahiti with Bora Bora and the other islands.
- Tahiti Faa’a International AirportOfficial airport site with daily arrivals and departures (in French).
- France-VisasThe French government’s official visa site, covering French overseas territories.
- France in the U.S.The French embassy and consulates in the U.S., including consular services.
- French Polynesia Country Information (State Department)Entry requirements, safety and local laws for U.S. citizens.
- CDC: French PolynesiaRecommended vaccines and health precautions for French Polynesia.
Africa
Official tourism boards, e-visa portals, permit offices and health pages for Empyrean’s core safari destinations.
- South African TourismThe official tourism board for South Africa.
- Magical KenyaThe Kenya Tourism Board’s official destination site.
- Kenya eTAKenya’s official Electronic Travel Authorization portal; apply only here.
- Tanzania Tourist BoardOfficial tourism information for Tanzania, from the Serengeti to Kilimanjaro.
- Tanzania eVisaTanzania Immigration’s official online visa application.
- Visit RwandaRwanda’s official tourism site, including gorilla trekking information.
- Uganda Wildlife AuthorityManages Uganda’s national parks and gorilla trekking permits.
- CDC: KenyaVaccines, malaria guidance and health notices for Kenya.
- CDC: TanzaniaVaccines, malaria guidance and yellow fever information for Tanzania.
External sites are operated by their respective organizations. Empyrean Travel isn't responsible for their content — always confirm requirements directly before you travel.
Ready when you are.
Tell Gigi where you're headed — she responds personally within one business day.