International Traveler's Checklist

　　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 destination 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  　　Search for your destination:  　　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.   　　Security alerts  　　Demonstration alerts  　　Health alerts  　　Weather or natural disaster alerts  　　Travel Advisory updates  　　Routine messages about U.S. embassy services   　　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.  　　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.   　　Need a new passport? Apply early to avoid risk of delays.  　　Review the information on lost or stolen passports before going abroad.  　　Visa for the country you are visiting  　　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 Information for your destination.    　　Medications  　　Some prescription 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 the “Health” section of the Travel Information 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 one parent is traveling with the child.     　　Check the Entry, Exit, and Visa Requirements section of the Travel Information for your destination before you travel.  　　Driving Abroad  　　Many countries do not accept a U.S. driver's license. You may need an IDP and extra auto insurance.   　　Research if you need to purchase auto insurance to cover you abroad. 　　Learn more about driving and road safety while abroad.  　　Be prepared for, 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.  　　Prepare for crisis and disasters abroad 　　Your health abroad  　　Add other pages that are under “international travel basics” 　　Certain types of travelers or situations have special considerations when traveling abroad. Check the list of traveler considerations to find the planning information for your trip. Make sure to review all that apply to your trip.  　　Follow @travelgov social media channels for international travel updates: Facebook, Instagram, and X   　　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 purchasing travel 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 and, or interruption. Review policies carefully before purchasing to understand what they do and do not cover.