Tools & Resources

Traveling Outside the US

International Travel Checklist
You should consider many things before you travel outside the U.S. The following checklist may be helpful as you prepare to travel.

Before you go:
• Do your research. Learn about the country you plan to visit. Learn a few phrases in the local language.
• Arrange supplementary health insurance and travel insurance.
• Carry proof of insurance coverage, and give a copy to someone at home.
• Draw up a flexible itinerary and budget. Leave a copy at home.
• Make sure your passport has not expired and is valid for six months beyond the time of your trip. Photocopy the identification page and keep it separate from your passport. Leave another copy with someone at home. Fill out the "In case of accident or death notify" section in your passport.
• Make sure you have any visas you need.
• Find out whether you or any members of your family are considered nationals of the country you plan to visit.
• Have any required vaccinations. If you are taking medication with you, make sure you keep it in its original container. Carry a doctor's prescription for any controlled drugs, and if you use syringes, carry a medical certificate. Leave copies at home as well.
• Keep the original receipts for any purchases you make, as well as for your hotel bill, rental car agreement, and medical service bills.
Other valuable travel information is available from the Federal Information Center at (800) 688-9889 or on the Internet at http://fic.info.gov/fic/travel.htm

Travel Warnings
The Department of State regularly issues advice to Americans about unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions in the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets.

Immunizations
You may check on immunizations requirements and other health issues connected with international travel by talking to your personal physician, by calling your county health department, or by visiting the Disease Control and Prevention's Travel Information Page (see above).

Driving Abroad
Many foreign countries require that Americans have an International Drivers Permit (IDP) in addition to a license from their home State. You may check the closest consular office of the country you are visiting to confirm whether you need an IDP and for insurance requirements for Americans who wish to drive in that country. If you are unsure where the consular office is, please call the Federal Information left toll-free at 1-800-688-9889 (For TDD/TTY users, call: 1-800-326-2996). Your automobile insurance carrier should also be able to tell you about coverage in another country.