International Travel Tips
- Make sure you have a signed, valid passport. Be sure to have a visa, if required and make certain it is the right type of visa (business or tourist).
- Before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
- Read the Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, and CIA World Factbook entries for the countries you plan to visit.
- Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that nation.
- Make two copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate location from your passport.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.
- Prior to your departure, you should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department's travel registration website. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization.
- Leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.
- Do not wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash.
- In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.
- If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy.
- See your doctor at least six weeks before you leave. Some vaccines don't reach the highest protection until about six weeks after you receive the shots.
- Have medical and dental check-ups before your trip, to be aware of problems and to find out about medicines you will want to take with you.
- Examine your health insurance policy to determine what it covers while out of the country.
- Consider supplementary travel insurance.
- Bring enough of your prescription medicines to cover you in case your trip is extended. Carry them in their original containers to avoid difficulty at airport checkpoints.
- If you wear contact lenses, bring a set of eyeglasses for emergencies.
- Pack a small first aid kit with plenty of antiseptic.
- Bring an AC power adapter for your destination country.