Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, follow this 5-step checklist to prepare for your travel abroad.
Make sure you review the specific Travel Advisories and local requirements. Select your destination to get tips from the U.S. embassy and more specific travel information.
Travel Advisory level
Tips from the U.S. embassy
Entry, exit, and visa requirements
Passport validity requirements
U.S. embassy and consulate contact information
Local laws and special circumstances
Vaccine requirements and health information
When you join STEP, you get important alerts and updates from the U.S. embassy or consulate for the destination in which you are visiting or living. STEP messages are sent to your email. It also helps the U.S. embassy or consulate reach you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
Gather your required travel documents and make multiple copies. These copies will help you replace your originals if they are stolen or lost while traveling.
Give a set of copies to a trusted friend or family member.
Keep a set of copies with you, separate from your originals.
Take photos of your travel documents using your mobile phone.
Important travel documents
Valid U.S. passport
Check your passport’s expiration date as soon as you start planning a trip. Passports for children under 16 are valid for only 5 years.
Some countries –especially in Europe – require that your passport be valid for at least 6 more months after your travel dates.
Some countries require a visa or electronic travel authorization to enter. Check with the foreign embassy of your destination for the most up to date requirements.
You can also review the Entry, Exit, and Visa Requirements section in the Travel Guidance for your destination.
Medications
Some prescriptions and over the counter medications are not legal in foreign countries, even though they are legal in the United States. This includes prescription narcotics.
Check with the Health section of the Travel Guidance for your destination before you travel.
Bring copies of all your prescriptions and labeled bottles.
Traveling with children
If you are traveling with children without one or both of their parents, you may need legal documents showing custody or a notarized letter of permission from the other parent.
This may be required even if 1 parent is traveling with the child.
Check the Entry, Exit, and Visa Requirements section of the Travel Guidance for your destination before you travel.
Getting prepared for international travel may include your lodging, medical services, import restrictions, and more. Your preparations may vary depending on the country you are planning to visit.
You can access these best practices to guide you in your plans:
Certain types of travelers have personal needs or will take part in activities when traveling abroad. Check the list of personal needs and safety tips for activities to find the planning information for your trip. Make sure to review all that apply to your trip.
The U.S. government does not provide insurance or pay for any costs for U.S. citizens abroad.
We do not pay medical bills or unexpected travel costs. U.S. health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, usually do not cover care abroad. Review your plan details or contact your provider.
We highly recommend that you consider purchasingtravel medical insurance before your trip to cover emergency medical care and medical evacuation. Medical care and medical evacuation coverage can be a separate plan or part of travel insurance that covers trip cancellation or interruption. Review policies carefully before purchasing to understand what they do and do not cover.
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