Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, follow this 5-step checklist to prepare for your travel abroad. 

1. Learn about your destination

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: 

2. Join our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) 

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  

3. Organize your required travel documents 

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.  
• 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. 

4. Review travel basics and personal considerations  

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  

5. Consider buying travel insurance

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.