1. Get Familiar with Your Destination
• Learn local laws for where you will be visiting.
• Research any Travel Warnings or Advisories
• This is a helpful link to look up before you travel:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965. html 2. Inform Others of Your Travel
• Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before you leave, so in case of emergency, you can be reached.
- Here is the link to register with https://step.state.gov/step/
- Or if you would like to contact an embassy or consulate you can go here: http://www.usembassy.gov/
• Notify family/friends of your travel plans and leave them copies of Documents and your Itinerary
3. Get All Your Travel Documents Together
• Check this site for passport and visa information: http://travel.state.gov/(Note that some countries require that a traveler’s U.S. passport be valid 6 months or longer after the completion date of your vacation.)
• Be sure to research if any vaccinations are required before you travel, this is a helpful site for vaccination information: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
page/vaccinations.htm •Be Aware of Additional Fees
- All International flights are subject to U.S. immigration and custom fees.
- Many countries have departure fees that are collected at the time of ticket purchase or upon exiting the foreign country.
- Plan to have cash on you for these fees, credit cards may be difficult to use in the country you are visiting.
4. To Take or Not to Take
Do Not Take
- Do not take valuable jewelry
- Irreplaceable family objects
- All unnecessary credit cards
- Social Security Card, Library Card, and similar items you may keep in your wallet
Do Take
- Medical Necessities
- Copies of passport identification, airline tickets, driver’s license and credit cards you plan to take. (Carry your copy separate from the originals in case the originals are lost)
- Plan for the Unexpected, take extra money, medications or daily needs
- A list of emergency contact numbers. In case your cell phone is lost, keep a list of emergency numbers you may need. For example, your family’s contact numbers and phone numbers for the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, U.S. embassies, consulates and consular agencies.
- Here is a link to how the Department of State can help you in case of an emergency: http://travel.state.gov/
travel/tips/emergencies/ emergencies_1212.html
5. Be Responsible for Your Health!
• Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid, Medical Evacuation
- Most U.S. medical insurance does not cover you outside of the U.S., nor does Medicare or Medicaid. Check with your insurance to see if you are covered.
- Consider purchasing a short-term insurance policy that will cover you.
• Anyone with preexisting medical conditions should carry a letter from their physician describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including generic names of their prescribed drugs.
• Leave all prescriptions in their original containers and make sure they are clearly labeled.
• Check with foreign embassies to make sure any required medication is not considered illegal narcotics
• If you wear eyeglasses be sure to bring an extra pair.
•Here is a website to help with Medical Information for Americans Abroad: http://travel.state.gov/
travel/tips/brochures/ brochures_1215.html
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