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USCIS I-131A Application for Travel Document Fee

Before you start the payment process, eligibility.

Anyone can pay the I-131A filing fee from anywhere in the world. Whoever pays the fee must use a credit or debit card or U.S. bank account.

The current filing fee is $575.00

You must submit your filing fee before going to a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file your Form I-131A. You must bring evidence of payment with you when you appear in person at your nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file Form I-131A.

Refund Policy

USCIS does not refund fees, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition or request, or how long USCIS takes to reach a decision.

By continuing this transaction, you acknowledge that you must submit fees in the exact amount and that you are paying the fees for a government service.

Please refer to the instructions for the form(s) you are filing for additional information or you may call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) 800-767-1833.

Information You May Need

To pay the fee, you will need the correct first and last names, date of birth, and A-Number as they appear on the lawful permanent resident's (LPR's) Green Card or Reentry Permit.

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• Fact Sheets

Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has required non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  On April 21, 2022, DHS announced that it would extend these requirements. In determining whether and when to rescind this order, DHS anticipates that it will take account of whether the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. air travelers remains in place.

These requirements apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Effective November 8, 2021, new air travel requirements applied to many noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily. These travelers are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All air travelers, including U.S. persons, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. Limited exceptions apply. See  CDC guidance  for more details regarding air travel requirements.

Below is more information about what to know before you go, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border travel.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. what are the requirements for travelers entering the united states through land poes.

A:  Before embarking on a trip to the United States, non-U.S. travelers should be prepared for the following:

• Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the  CDC  website.
• During border inspection, verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 
• Bring a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  compliant border crossing document, such as a valid passport (and visa if required), Trusted Traveler Program card, a Department of State-issued Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Tribal Card when entering the country. Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document and any other documents requested by the CBP officer.

 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

A:  Children under 18 years of age are excepted from the vaccination requirement at land and ferry POEs.

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

A:  Per CDC guidelines, all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO), will be accepted.

Accepted Vaccines:

• More details are available in CDC guidance  here .
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

A:  No. The CDC guidance for “full vaccination” can be found here.

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

A:  No. Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

A: No, there is no COVID testing requirement to enter the United States via land POE or ferry terminals. In this respect, the requirement for entering by a land POE or ferry terminal differs from arrival via air, where there is a requirement to have a negative test result before departure.

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: new changes were recently announced. what changed on january 22.

A:  Since January 22, 2022, non-citizens who are not U.S. nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents have been required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or nonessential purposes. Previously, DHS required that non-U.S. persons be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States for nonessential purposes.  Effective January 22, all non-U.S. individuals, to include essential travelers, must be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request. DHS announced an extension of this policy on April 21, 2022.

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

A: This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. It applies to other noncitizens, such as a citizen of Mexico, Canada, or any other country seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

A: Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation. 

Q: What is essential travel?

A:  Under the prior policy, there was an exception from temporary travel restrictions for “essential travel.” Essential travel included travel to attend educational institutions, travel to work in the United States, travel for emergency response and public health purposes, and travel for lawful cross-border trade (e.g., commercial truckers). Under current policy, there is no exception for essential travel.

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

A: While most non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States will need to be vaccinated, there is a narrow list of exemptions consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order in the air travel context.

• Certain categories of individuals on diplomatic or official foreign government travel as specified in the CDC Order
• Children under 18 years of age;
• Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order;   
• Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order;
• Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
• Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order; and
• Individuals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

A:  Non-U.S. individuals are required to be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request regardless of the purpose of travel.

The current documentation requirement remains the same and is available on the CDC website . Documentation requirements for entry at land ports of entry and ferry terminals mirror those for entry by air.

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

A: If non-U.S. individuals cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, they will not be admitted into the United States and will either be subject to removal or be allowed to withdraw their application for entry.

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

A: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers at land border ports of entry, including ferry terminals.

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

A: See CDC guidance for additional information on this topic. Note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions.

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions. These requirements also apply to bus drivers as well as rail and ferry operators.

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

A:  As travelers navigate these new travel requirements, wait times may increase. Travelers should account for the possibility of longer than normal wait times and lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are kindly encouraged to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the CBP OneTM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

A: CBP’s current staffing levels at ports of entry throughout the United States are commensurate with pre-pandemic levels. CBP has continued to hire and train new employees throughout the pandemic. CBP expects some travelers to be non-compliant with the proof of vaccination requirements, which may at times lead to an increase in border wait times. Although trade and travel facilitation remain a priority, we cannot compromise national security, which is our primary mission. CBP Office of Field Operations will continue to dedicate its finite resources to the processing of arriving traffic with emphasis on trade facilitation to ensure economic recovery.

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual?  

A:  The unvaccinated individual (if 18 or over) would not be eligible for admission.

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

A:  No, if you are a non-U.S. individual. The policy announced on January 22, 2022 applies to both essential and non-essential travel by non-U.S. individual travelers. Since January 22, DHS has required that all inbound non-U.S. individuals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

A:  Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa are not excepted from COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the land border. This is a difference from the international air transportation context.

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: what are the covid vaccination requirements for air passengers to the united states  .

A:  According to CDC requirements [www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html | Link no longer valid], most noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding a flight to the United States. These travelers are required to show proof of vaccination. A list of covered individuals is available on the CDC website.  

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States?  

A:  Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for U.S.-bound air travelers.

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Should I Apply for Work & Travel Permits During the Green Card Process?

Weighing the pros and cons of including the optional work and travel permit forms in your green card application, apr 10, 2024.

If you’re applying for a green card from within the United States (otherwise known as the “ adjustment of status ” process), you may have heard about Form I-765 and Form I-131.  Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) allow green card applicants to work legally in the U.S. and travel in and out of the country while the green card is pending. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of including the work permit and travel permit forms in your green card application.

Do I Need to Include These Forms in My Green Card Application?

Including Form I-765 and/or Form I-131 in your adjustment of status (green card) application is optional. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not require that applicants include either form in their completed application, so it is at your discretion to decide whether to complete and file the work and travel permit forms during the green card process. Now that the forms come with additional fees, some individuals and families may choose not to include them in their application to save on filing costs. 

It is important to note that the green card process can be a lengthy one, depending on the USCIS field office processing your application and the details of your specific case. USCIS processing times change often, but for many applicants, it could be several months to several years before they have a green card in-hand — and with it, the ability to work and travel freely.

Work & Travel Permit Pros

Working in the u.s..

If you’d like the ability to work and earn a living in the U.S. while awaiting your green card , you will need to complete Form I-765 and include it in your adjustment of status application.

In order to work in the U.S., you must have official work authorization from USCIS. Any unauthorized work could have serious consequences for your immigration journey and ability to remain in the country.

Learn more about working in the U.S. with a pending green card application in Boundless’ guide .

Avoiding Travel Issues

If you think you may need to travel outside the U.S. for any reason while your green card is pending, it may be beneficial to complete Form I-131. Obtaining the advance parole travel document provides the freedom and flexibility to leave and re-enter the U.S. in case of a family event or emergency abroad, without jeopardizing your green card application.

Without a valid travel document, your green card application will be terminated if you leave the U.S. while your application is still pending.

Learn more about traveling abroad with a pending green card application in Boundless’ guide .

Work & Travel Permit Cons

Form I-765 and Form I-131 have long been free to include in a family-based green card (adjustment of status) application. This means that green card applicants could file Form I-765 and Form I-131 alongside their adjustment of status form (Form I-485), for no additional costs. However, on April 1, 2024, USCIS rolled out a new fee structure , which increased the filing fees for both Form I-765 and Form I-131. Form I-765 now costs $260 when filed as part of an adjustment of status application, while Form I-131 costs $630. While these fees may be manageable for some applicants, they can pose a financial burden for others, especially considering the already substantial costs associated with the green card application process.

Additional Forms to Complete

If you choose to file Form I-765 and/or Form I-131, it does add additional work when preparing your green card application. Both forms must be completed thoroughly, accurately, and to USCIS standards. Both Form I-765 and Form I-131 have their own requirements, including specific form questions to be answered and supporting documents that must be included when filing. If there are any errors or issues found in Form I-765 or Form I-131, it could lead to complications that may delay the overall green card application.

The Bottom Line

Including the work and travel permit forms in your green card application has both pros and cons. 

In general, if you choose to file Form I-765, you’re gaining the ability to work legally in the U.S. while your green card application is pending. This can be helpful for many green card applicants as they settle into a new country and jumpstart their career in the U.S. 

Filing Form I-131 ensures that you’ll be able to travel in and out of the U.S. in the event of an emergency or important event abroad while your green card is pending. For many green card applicants, obtaining the advance parole document offers peace of mind during the green card process.

Although the work and travel permits offer increased financial security and travel flexibility, they’re not without a cost. The new high fees for Form I-765 and Form I-131 may deter budget-conscious applicants from including them in their application. The immigration process can be expensive, and some may need to be more selective in managing optional costs when applying. Overall, it’s up to each individual to weigh the pros and cons of the work and travel permits and decide what works best for their immigration journey.

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• For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents
• Know Before You Go

Before Your Trip

Booking your tickets.

Match Names on Tickets and Documents

Purchase your travel tickets in the exact same name that appears on your passport or official ID. Ensure that all travel documents match that name precisely.

If the names don't match, your travel carrier or the Transportation Security Administration may require additional documents to verify your identity before allowing you to board.

Each Country is Different

Learn the required travel documents for each country you will visit. Find out about specific travel warnings, U.S. import restrictions, and other rules that apply to the countries on your itinerary by visiting www.state.gov/travelers .

Find the latest on making your return to the United States problem free - go to www.cbp.gov/travel .

Documents You Will Need

Carry - do not pack - all travel documents.

• All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.
• Green card (Form I-551), or document for lawful permanent residents, or advance parole (Form I-512) if your Form I-551 is pending.
• A visa or other entry document for the countries you will visit.
• Receipts or registration ( CBP Form 4457 ) for new electronics, such as a camera or laptop, that you are taking abroad. (Only suggested if the goods are less than six months old.)
• Proof of rabies vaccination for dogs traveling abroad. Check the requirements for other pets at www.aphis.usda.gov .
• Valid license for driving overseas and for use as a second form of photo ID.
• Permits and/or certificates if bringing restricted animal or plant products - go to www.aphis.usda.gov .
• Medications in their original packages. Bring only the amount of medication you will need. Prescription medications have to be under the traveler's name.
• Envelope to hold the receipts of your purchases abroad.

Traveling with Children

When U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 arrive by land or sea from Canada or Mexico they may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.

Groups of Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 19 arriving by land or sea from Canada or Mexico and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization or sports team, may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. The group should have a letter on organizational letterhead with:

• The name of the group and supervising adult(s).
• The names of the children on the trip and their primary address, phone number, date and place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child.
• A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has parental or legal guardian consent for each child.

Everything You Need To Know About TPS Travel Authorization and How To Apply for It

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status granted to people in the U.S. who come from certain countries they can’t return to. If you have TPS or have applied for TPS and you want to travel outside of the United States, you need to apply for travel authorization. Getting travel authorization allows you to return to the U.S. after leaving without having your immigration status revoked. Applying for travel authorization can take up to five months, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Written by ImmigrationHelp Team .  Updated August 15, 2022

What Is TPS? 

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration designation. It allows individuals to work and live in the United States regardless of their immigration status. But this special status only applies when it would be unsafe for them to return to their home country. With TPS, a person doesn’t have to worry about getting detained or deported even if they overstay an immigrant visa or are an undocumented immigrant. 

Only those who have come from countries that qualify for TPS are eligible to receive it. There are currently 15 designated countries that have Temporary Protected Status, including:

Afghanistan

Burma (Myanmar)

El Salvador

South Sudan

This list of Temporary Protected Status countries is subject to change. To confirm the current countries on the list, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) Temporary Protected Status website .

How Does a Country Receive Protected Status? 

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can designate a country for TPS if certain temporary conditions make it difficult and/or dangerous for individuals from that country to return. These conditions include:

An ongoing armed conflict, like civil war; 

A natural disaster, such as a disease outbreak or earthquake; or

Another type of temporary and extraordinary condition that makes it dangerous for someone to return home.

In addition to staying in the United States without risk of removal, beneficiaries of TPS are also eligible to apply for work authorization , like receiving a work permit or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

As beneficial as TPS is, it has a few limitations. Unlike those who receive asylum status , TPS recipients don’t have a pathway to lawful permanent residency with an adjustment of status.

Also, if you have TPS, you can’t automatically return to the United States if you leave. You can travel to and from the United States, but you first need to apply for travel authorization. This is called Advance Parole.

What Is Advance Parole? 

Despite its name, Advance Parole has nothing to do with the criminal justice system. Rather, it’s a type of travel authorization that allows certain immigrants to return to the United States after traveling abroad. Without Advance Parole, immigrants who leave the United States while their immigration application or status is still pending may:

Have their immigration status revoked

Have any pending applications denied

Be barred from re-entry to the United States

Generally speaking, if someone is eligible for TPS, they’re also eligible for Advance Parole or a TPS travel authorization document. This means if you apply for TPS, you can apply for Advance Parole at the same time. In other words, you don’t have to wait until your TPS application is approved before applying for Advance Parole.

How Can Someone With TPS Apply for Travel Authorization? 

You can get permission to travel through either Advance Parole or TPS travel authorization. Either method requires you to complete Form I-131 . It costs $575 to file this form, and the USCIS normally takes about three months to process it.

Applicants most often submit Form I-131 to the USCIS by mail. The address you mail your completed form to depends on who you are and what other immigration relief or benefits you’re requesting. 

For example, if you’re filing Form I-131 along with Form I-821 (the form you use to apply for TPS), you’ll send your Form I-131 to the address assigned to your country. If your Form I-821 has already been approved or you’re requesting Advance Parole with Form I-821 that’s pending approval, then you’ll send your Form I-131 to one of two addresses. If using the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), you’ll send it to:

Attn: I-131 TPS

P.O. Box 660167

Dallas, TX 75266-0867

If you want to send Form I-131 via UPS, DHL, or FedEx, then you’ll use this address instead:

2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business

Lewisville, TX 75067

When completing Form I-131, you don’t need to give a reason for your request if you’re already on TPS and applying for Advance Parole. However, you do need to give a reason if you have a different immigration status, such as DACA or a green card.

How To Get Updates on the Status of Your Travel Authorization Request

If you want to receive progress updates via email or text notifications, you can submit Form G-1145 along with your I-131 application. The USCIS will send you an e-Notification within one day of accepting your application. This e-Notification also has a receipt number that you can use to get further application status updates as it’s processed.

Tips for Filling Out Form 1-131

To ensure the proper and efficient processing of your Form I-131 application, there are several tips to keep in mind. One of the biggest is to make sure you sign all the necessary places. 

Another important tip is to complete the form on a computer, if at all possible. This ensures you’re using the correct version of the form and allows you to easily correct any mistakes before printing out your completed form and mailing it off.

If you make a mistake on a paper form, you’ll have to start all over. This is because USCIS’s electronic scanners can’t process forms containing portions covered up with correction tape or fluid. The USCIS has a form filing tips page with more advice on completing its forms.

What Limitations Are There for Someone With TPS Traveling on Advance Parole?

If you have TPS or are applying for TPS, you shouldn’t travel outside the United States unless you first receive travel authorization. If you don’t have travel authorization, you may be unable to reenter the U.S.

In certain situations, it could take more than a year to approve your travel authorization. So the moment you know you’ll need to go overseas or think there’s a chance you may have to, it’s best to begin the travel authorization application process. If you want to have a rough idea of how long the USCIS might take to process your Form I-131, you can use the USCIS’s processing times online tool .

Another limitation is the length of time you can be outside the United States. The exact length of time can vary, but in most cases, the maximum amount of time you can expect to stay out of the United States and still return is one year. You may be able to extend this time by applying for a second Advance Parole while traveling with an approved Advance Parole that’s still valid. Just make sure you return to the United States before your designated period of Advance Parole expires.

Finally, if your TPS application is pending and you leave the country, you may miss important notifications about your application. It might also be difficult to schedule appointments like a biometrics appointment .

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Passport Vs. Enhanced License: They Both Permit International Travel, So What's The Difference?

• Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) can only be obtained in five US states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. They can be used for international travel to countries like Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
• EDLs are not a substitute for a passport and do not grant access to all international borders. Temporary EDLs are not accepted at border crossings, so travelers need to wait for the formal copy of their license.
• REAL IDs are another form of identification that can be used at airports and for secondary identification within the United States. However, a passport is still required for international travel with a REAL ID. Passports are often seen as superior to EDLs and are recommended for those without access to EDLs.

For anyone who doesn't live in a state that offers enhanced driver's licenses, also known as EDLs for short, there's probably a bit of confusion at this headline. What the heck is an enhanced driver's license? Can you get them anywhere? Are they used to travel across any international borders ? Does one still need a regular driver's license in addition to an EDL? Can you get one in any state or for another state? Understandably, the list of questions surrounding this unusual travel ticket is extensive.

Alternatively, there's the passport, which is a tried and true form of travel identification that's been used for decades. However, does one need a passport if they have an EDL? And, when it comes to crossing the border, does one need a passport in addition to an EDL? Once again, there are many questions - which is why we're here to answer all the things that confuse travelers about both of these forms of identification. While they can't be used interchangeably, they do overlap in terms of where a person can travel and how .

UPDATE: 2023/08/04 15:53 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Adding To The Travel Saga: What Is A REAL ID?

This article has been updated with new information regarding travel domestically and internationally in and out of the United States, as well as comparing EDLs to REAL IDs. Whether someone has an upcoming trip, needs help before the airport, or has other concerns, we're here to help!

Related: Vaccine Passports: All Your Questions About What, When, And Where, Answered

For Starters, What Is An Enhanced License, And Where Can You Get One?

• Enhanced Driver's Licenses, or EDLs, can only be obtained in five US states.
• People won't be able to get these unless they're in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington.

An Enhanced Driver's License, EDL for short, can only be obtained in five states : Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. These are all states that border another country (Canada). Therefore, an EDL can be used at border crossings. However, an EDL also permits travel in other countries, as well, and not just those that share borders with the U.S. So, what is this magical card all about, then?

To obtain an EDL, drivers must go to the DMV and apply for one. The cost of an enhanced license will vary based on the state, but there's always an extra fee to pay for having a license that also doubles as a means for travel identification. The ID will have a visible differentiation between what it is vs. a regular driver's license, which is to keep people from replicating them or counterfeiting an EDL. It also might take slightly longer to get an EDL in the mail since, while it is a driver's license, it does vary from the typical license.

EDLs are extended licenses allowing a person to travel between states and certain countries. They will have a different look than a standard license and should be permissible at border checks, state lines, and traffic stops. People can use them to get in and out of Mexico and Canada, which is helpful.

The benefit of having one of these is the fact that travelers can use it to get into both Canada and Mexico, and it can be shown at both border crossings as a form of legitimate identification for entry. An EDL can also be used in the event that a traveler is going to the Caribbean, which is helpful in the event that someone doesn't have a passport or doesn't have time to obtain one (always check territory restrictions before booking trips).

So, it could be said that an EDL is great for use in 'local' international travel. However, this doesn't mean that it's always a substitute for a passport. Additionally, since the EDL is not available in every state, it means that more than half of the country does not have access to such a form of identification. So, there are still downsides to this, and it does not grant travelers access across all international borders, nor does it replace a passport when boarding a plane to another country. Temporary EDLs also are not accepted at border crossings, so, similar to a passport, travelers will be required to wait until they've received the formal copy of their license before using it for travel purposes.

Related: Why Are There More Passports & Immigrations Than Countries?

Enhanced ID Versus REAL ID: Which Is Better?

• Enhanced Driver's Licenses are used without passports, while REAL IDs are not.
• Obtaining a REAL ID is good for airports and secondary identification when entering or leaving the United States.

On top of an EDL, there is also something called a REAL ID. These work similarly, allowing government agencies to distinguish who's a US citizen versus a foreigner. With a REAL ID, the card will have a specialty stamp of citizenship, which can be used at airports, borders, etc. However, these aren't considered better than Enhanced Driver's Licenses, as they can't get people in and out of countries without a passport.

According to the Department of Homeland Security , a REAL ID is a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of State-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. They essentially offer a second layer of trust and protection to you and the ID in question, so this could be an alternative to look into. People still need a passport to enter the country with a REAL ID, so that's one downside. Domestically, it's not required to have both. They're also about $30 cheaper than EDLs.

If someone travels domestically often, a REAL ID is a good investment. They're cheaper than Enhanced Driver's Licenses but need a passport with them at international entry and exit points.

Is A Passport Better Than An Extended Driver's License?

• Passports are often seen as superior to EDLs.
• Those who don't have access to Extended Driver's Licenses can apply for passports.

For people who don't live in states where EDLs are available, obviously, it makes sense to get a passport. EDLs are much cheaper, but for those on a budget who are looking to do that 'local' international travel, a passport card might be something to look into. For those who do live in EDL states, it's a worthy thing to have, even if they're not planning on crossing international borders anytime soon. For a fee that's not extraordinary, it won't break the budget to splurge for the extra $30 or so license.

Anyone who does live in a state where an EDL is an option but is planning on traveling to a country that's not Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean should absolutely invest in a passport. Simply put, EDL does not grant access to any other countries and will likely never be used for such purposes. It's easier to think of the EDL as a special privilege granted to certain states that share borders with other countries - it won't grant access to the world, but it will allow country-to-country crossings. A passport is a long-term investment that, in the long run, will permit travel practically anywhere and will last longer than an enhanced license.

Getting A Passport Just Got Easier

The United States is (finally) making it easier to apply for passports. Starting in 2023, Americans will be able to apply for their passport renewals online (but not for their first passports - that takes longer ). This will help make the whole process much simpler. It could be better as the new system will still lag behind the speed and convenience of other countries like New Zealand (which have been renewing passports online for many years).

The standard fee for renewing a passport will be $130.00, and it will be valid for 10 years. It will take 7 to 10 weeks to receive one's passport - although this can be expedited for an extra fee.

• Standard Fee: $130.00 Standard Renewal
• Routine Service: 7 to 10 Weeks

Over the border in Canada, the Canadians have been at work simplifying the renewals of their passport too.

The question should not be an either/or debate about whether one should get a passport or an EDL. Instead, one should have both - especially if one lives near the borders with Canada or Mexico. That way, one can spontaneously decide to cross the border (one may not always be carrying a passport around). Most people should just invest in having both. There are many reasons why everyone should have a passport .

Desperate to escape the war, Palestinians pay a private company thousands to leave Gaza

Gaza residents are paying egyptian company ‘travel co-ordination fees’ to help them cross rafah border.

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Early last fall, Amin was packing for his move to Ottawa to start studying business during what would be his first term in university. With a Canadian student visa in hand and a brother already in the country, he dreamed about the opportunities he'd have when he started his new life thousands of kilometres away from his hometown in Gaza.

Then, on Oct. 7, the Hamas-led attack on Israel left 1,200 dead and saw hundreds taken hostage. Israel's responding offensive in Gaza has killed more than 32,552 people as of Thursday, according to the local health ministry. 

With the strip under siege, Amin was trapped. The federal government in Canada was only evacuating Canadians and their immediate family, so his student visa was effectively useless. With no quick options to escape the war raging nearby, he used the last option at his disposal: paying an Egyptian travel company to cross the border at Rafah.

• UN Security Council votes to demand immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as U.S. abstains
• After living a 'horror movie' in Gaza for 160 days, Canadian brothers finally escape

"I left my siblings, my father, my uncles and aunts, my cousins, so it was very difficult — the decision to leave the Gaza Strip was super, super hard," said Amin, 26. CBC News is not revealing his last name because he and his family fear they will face repercussions for smuggling him out of Gaza.

Experts in international affairs say that in the face of famine, war and homelessness, desperate Gazans are paying private travel companies between $5,000 and $10,000 US ($6,770 and $13,500 Cdn) to help them escape into Egypt through Rafah. 

Getting out of Gaza

Travel in and out of Gaza has been bottlenecked for decades. 

Neighbours Israel and Egypt have controlled the movement of goods and people to and from the strip under a joint blockade that began after Hamas took control of the densely populated strip in 2007. Gazans looking to leave through either border need a permit from that country's government.

Since Hamas took over in Gaza, Egyptian journalist Mohannad Sabry says people in the strip have not been guaranteed the basic human right to free movement.  

"It has always been subject to security permissions and security allowances and the decisions of Egypt and Israel." 

Israel closed its border to Gazans after the Oct. 7 attack, so the Rafah crossing has become the only viable option. Since then, the only people allowed to leave Gaza have been mainly foreign and dual nationals with connections to other countries, or injured people seeking medical treatment in Egypt.

Ahmed Benchemsi, a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch, said Gazans have two choices to leave from Rafah: register for an exit permit and hope for approval from the Egyptian government, or pay what's known as a travel co-ordination fee to a private company.

Getting Canadians out of Gaza via Rafah 'profoundly frustrating,' official says

"There was … a fast track and that went through private companies that were supposed to expedite the process," he said in an interview. 

Egyptian travel agencies and brokers have been helping people leave Gaza through Rafah for years, explained Lama Alsafi, a PhD student in International Relations at Carleton University in Ottawa. 

Travel permits … for a fee

For a fee, the travel companies ensure the client's name is on a list of evacuees approved by various governments including officials in Egypt, Israel and Gaza. The companies then book them seats on buses that drive Gazans from Rafah to their offices in Nasr City, a Cairo suburb. 

This way, Alsafi said, "they could get these travel permits to exit Rafah in days, sometimes 48 hours."  

Hala is one such company that's been getting Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt since at least 2019, when media reports began to surface about what the company called its "VIP travel" service. 

Alsafi and Sabry say that at the time, the company had offices in Gaza City and arranged for travel permits for Palestinians. The man behind Hala is Ibrahim Al Organi, a prominent businessman in Cairo and head of Organi Group, Hala's parent company. 

According to Alsafi, Al Organi has close links with Egypt's military and with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. She says Hala even uses its connections to Egypt as a marketing tool.

"In some of these online advertisements on social media, some of these agencies even boast their strong links to the Egyptian Intelligence Service as a selling point."

At one time, Sabry says there were multiple brokers who would arrange for Palestinians to travel to Egypt, Now, Hala has become the main company offering this service and appears to be the only one that's able to produce travel permission from Egyptian security authorities.  

"It's the only entity where Palestinians go and pay whatever amount of money they are forced to pay to be able to travel," he said.  

Profiteering 'at its worst'

CBC News spoke with Amin and two family members about his experience with Hala. 

In January, to get Amin out of Gaza, his brother in Ottawa applied for a temporary resident visa as part of the government's special measures for extended family. He had previously tried to use Amin's student visa, but Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said they were only evacuating Canadians and their immediate families. 

After waiting for months for the visa application to go through, Amin's family decided they couldn't wait any longer, and their only option was to pay Hala's co-ordination fees. 

• Canadian family says their relative starved to death in Gaza waiting for a visa
• Palestinians fled to Rafah looking for safety. Now, with a ground offensive looming, they feel trapped

Before Oct. 7, the cost to leave Gaza varied. Some media outlets reported prices as low at $350 US per person, while others said it could be much higher. Alsafi says fees for passage through Rafah surge by thousands of dollars during times of active violence.

"Palestinians have been paying between $4,000 US and $10,000 US per person since October," she said.

Since October, people inquiring about travel co-ordination fees have reported that the price has drastically increased, with Hala charging $5,000 US (just over $6,700 Cdn).

Alsafi likens Hala's system to war profiteering "at its worst." 

Earlier this month, Sky News asked Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry whether the government condoned Hala charging so much for Palestinians to leave Gaza.

"Absolutely not," Shoukry told the outlet. "We will take whatever measures we need so as to restrict it and eliminate it totally. There should be no advantage taken out of this situation for monetary gain."

Why there’s ‘no safe place’ left in Gaza

CBC News contacted the Foreign Ministry of Egypt, the Egyptian Ambassador to Canada, the Organi Group and Hala Consulting and Tourism for comment on this story, but had not received a response at the time of publication. 

In an emailed statement to CBC News, IRCC said it is "aware of instances of people exiting Gaza on their own" and said the government "cannot recommend" the travel companies "or guarantee their legitimacy." The email went on to warn people to "be cautious of suspicious sources offering to sell a unique reference code or making promises" to help people leave Gaza. 

For Amin's family, the desperation to get him out trumped any other concerns. 

Escape at last

In February, Amin's mother and brother were living about 50 kilometres away from Nasr City. They made the trip to Hala's offices there every day for about nine days to try to get Amin registered to travel. 

"My mom got to the office and she stayed there and she said, 'I swear I'm not going home, I'll sleep in the garage, in the street, at the door of the office, but you have to register my son,'" Amin said.

• 'I don't sleep': Man from Gaza desperate to bring family to Saskatoon amid limited visas
• Palestinian Canadians say their families are dying in Gaza while they wait to come to Canada

After finally paying the fee of $5,000 US (more than $6,700 Cdn) on Feb. 19, the family says they were told Amin's name would be on the evacuee list and he would have a spot on a bus leaving the strip at the Rafah crossing.

Not long after, Amin heard from a friend that his name was on Egypt's list of people approved to cross the border that is posted daily to a Facebook group. 

On Feb. 27, he boarded a Hala bus in Rafah that would take him to Cairo. 

He says the day-long trip took him through multiple checkpoints and security screenings, eventually crossing over into Al Arish, Egypt, the coastal town bordering the Gaza Strip. With his name on the list, Amin was allowed over the border after showing his identification and saying he was travelling with Hala. 

Amin was dropped off at Hala's offices in Nasr City in the heart of Cairo, where he's now staying with his mother and brother in a rented apartment. Amin still has his Canadian student visa and his mother and brother are waiting for temporary resident visas to be approved so they can also come to Canada. 

Speaking to CBC News from the Egyptian capital on Tuesday, Amin says it's a bittersweet feeling to have left the strip to find safety.

"I'm safe here, but my mind and heart are still there," he said, referring to his family members he had to leave behind. "I won't be excited or happy until the war ends in Gaza."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yasmine Hassan is a producer at CBC's Parliamentary Bureau.

Related Stories

• LISTEN Palestinian Canadian says federal government is 'failing' his family in Gaza as visa program falters

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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511 Travel Info

News releases

April 11, 2024

Latest news releases

Full-summer overweight permits start April 15 in the South and Southeast frost zones

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will start full-summer overweight permits in the South and Southeast frost zones Monday, April 15, at 12:01 am.

Seasonal load limit (frost) zones and restricted routes can be found on the MnDOT load limits map . Start and end dates and other load limit information are shown at mndot.gov/loadlimits .

Overweight permits for more than 80,000 pound gross vehicle weight will continue and new permits will be issued if all axle and group weights are legal ( axle weight limits ).

MnDOT will report start and end dates on its 24-hour automated message center at 1-800-723-6543 for the U.S. and Canada, and locally at 651-366-5400 for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

For questions about legal axle weight during SLR; Gross Vehicle Weight Schedule, call: Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Patrol – Commercial Vehicle Enforcement 651-350-2000

For questions about oversize/overweight loads/permitting, call: Minnesota Department of Transportation Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations – Oversize/Overweight Permits 651-296-6000 [email protected]

All changes are made with a minimum three-calendar-day notice.

For the most current information, go to MnDOT’s automated 24-hour message center at 800-723-6543 for the U.S. and Canada, or 651-366-5400 for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. This information is also published on the MnDOT seasonal load limits website at mndot.gov/loadlimits .

For updated road condition information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org .

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USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain Employment Authorization Documents to Improve Access to Work Permits

WASHINGTON — Building on extensive modernization efforts that have streamlined and improved access to work permits for eligible noncitizens, USCIS today announced a  temporary final rule (TFR) to increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. This announcement follows improvements that have reduced processing times for EADs significantly over the past year.

The temporary measure announced today will prevent already work-authorized noncitizens from having their employment authorization and documentation lapse while waiting for USCIS to adjudicate their pending EAD renewal applications and better ensure continuity of operations for U.S. employers. This is the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to get work-authorized individuals into the workforce, supporting the economies where they live.

“Over the last year, the USCIS workforce reduced processing times for most EAD categories, supporting an overall goal to improve work access to eligible individuals.  However, we also received a record number of employment authorization applications, impacting our renewal mechanisms,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “Temporarily lengthening the existing automatic extension up to 540 days will avoid lapses in employment authorizations. At the same time, this rule provides DHS with an additional window to consider long-term solutions by soliciting public comments, and identifying new strategies to ensure those noncitizens eligible for employment authorization can maintain that benefit.”

This TFR aligns with an ongoing effort at USCIS to support employment authorized individuals’ access to work. USCIS has reduced EAD processing times overall and streamlined adjudication processing, including:

• Reducing by half EAD processing times of individuals with pending green card applications from FY2021 to date,
• Processing a record number of EAD applications in the past year, outpacing prior years,
• Engaging with communities to educate work-eligible individuals who were not accessing the process and provide on-the-ground intake support of applications,
• Reducing processing time for EADs for asylum applicants and certain parolees to less than or equal to 30-day median,
• Extending EAD validity period for certain categories from 2 years to 5 years,
• Streamlining the process for refugee EADs, and
• Expanding online filing for EADs to asylum applications and parolees.

This temporary measure will apply to eligible applicants who timely and properly filed an EAD renewal application on or after Oct. 27, 2023, if the application is still pending on the date of publication in the Federal Register. The temporary final rule will also apply to eligible EAD renewal applicants who timely and properly file their Form I-765 application during a 540-day period that begins with the rule’s publication in the Federal Register.

Absent this measure, nearly 800,000 EAD renewal applicants – including those eligible for employment authorization as asylees or asylum applicants, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants or recipients, and green card applicants – would be in danger of experiencing a lapse in their employment authorization, and approximately 60,000 to 80,000 employers would be negatively impacted as a result of such a lapse. EADs are generally valid for the length of the authorized parole period. This TFR does not extend the length of parole.

Since May 12, 2023 to March 13, 2024, DHS has removed or returned over 617,000 individuals, the vast majority of whom crossed the Southwest Border, including more than 97,000 individual family members. The majority of all individuals encountered at the southwest border over the past three years have been removed, returned, or expelled. Total removals and returns since mid-May exceed removals and returns in every full fiscal year since 2011.

As part of this temporary final rule, USCIS is soliciting feedback from the public that would inform potential future regulatory action. For more information, visit our  Automatic Employment Authorization Document Extension page .

For more information about USCIS, please visit  uscis.gov  or follow us on  Twitter ,  Instagram ,  YouTube ,  Facebook , and  LinkedIn .