International travel can be overwhelming to new travelers - especially when multiple unfamiliar regulations are in play. Because of this, scam artists often target international travelers, and play off of their misunderstanding of international requirements. After all, who doesn't want the assurance that their passport is valid, can be fast tracked for approval, or can get help in applying for a visa?

In many cases, each of these purported "services" is a scam that is designed to do nothing more than separate the traveler from their hard earned money. When determining what services you need when you travel abroad, look for these three common scams - and avoid them at all costs.            

Passport Application Services: a Common Passport Scam

Doing a quick internet search for "passport application" will yield a number of services (often under the paid advertisements) offering to expedite a passport application. These services charge a fee to "help" travelers get their passport on the fast track to approval and issuance, purportedly helping people get their passports within the same day. While these offers may sound tempting - especially if you are in a hurry - the services they offer are often no different than the services you can get directly through the State Department.

For travelers that need a passport quick, there are many ways to obtain documents - sometimes even in the same day.

While the standard passport application takes four to six weeks to process, the State Department offers other options for those who need a passport in a hurry. For an additional $60, a passport can be issued in as little as two weeks, from sending your application from a Post Office, to receiving it at your door. Travelers who have international travel plans within two weeks can pay the $60 expediting fee, and apply in person at one of 26 Passport Agencies across the United States and Puerto Rico. By applying in person and providing proof of travel, travelers can get their passport in as few as five days.

And for those who have immediate travel plans without a passport, some Passport Agencies (such as the one in New York City) offer "will call" service for passport issuance. An appointment must be made, and depending on need, "will call" service can be made available to certain travelers.

While passport application services can make claims to getting your passport fast, the State Department makes it clear: expediting services do not fast track passports any quicker than applying directly for your passport. Before you ask for help from a company, be sure to research all your options.

Passport Validation Services: Targeting Visiting Tourists

Driving across borders, travelers are often greeted by billboards for "welcome centers," offering passport validation services for a nominal fee. In some cases, these passport validation services promise an easier way to cross borders without the wait. While these offers may sound like an easier way to get through border control, this simply isn't true.

Unless a traveler is a member of an trusted traveler program like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, there is no one fast track method to go across the border. Instead, all travelers - regardless of whether or not their passport has been validated - have to cross borders in the same method, and get asked the same questions as every other traveler. A "passport validation" will not help - instead, you will have paid money for someone to tell you that you have a valid passport.

If you want to make sure that your passport is valid, make sure you understand the regulations required to enter into a country. While many countries around the world (including most of Western Europe) only require three months of validity to enter a country, some require your passport to be valid for six months. And finally, be sure to have all the required visas in hand before you enter a country. Otherwise, you could be denied access and sent home at your expense.

Visa Application Services: Often a Scam in Hiding

Every traveler dreams of exploring new countries and cultures. In some cases, this requires applying for a visa prior to entering the country. Depending on where you are going, many services will offer to help you get a visa for your passport, often at exorbitant fees. Who can you trust?

Every country has different visa requirements. While some nations only require a valid passport to enter the nation, other nations (like Brazil) require you to apply in advance for your visa. As you start making travel plans, be sure to check with the consulate of your destination country to determine what you need to enter the country. Many embassies allow you to apply for a passport at their consulate in your home country, simply by either sending your application and passport, or applying in person. In other situations, your travel agent or airline can assist you in applying for a visa to enter a country.

Before you hire a service to "expedite" your visa application, be sure to do your research. Travelers who need assistance obtaining a visa should work with their travel agent, or use a trusted and recommended visa application company.

Many scams target first time international travelers, with no recourse to get their money back whatsoever. But with research and understanding of local customs, you can avoid these scams, and have an enjoyable trip to your final destination.