Tips for the International Traveler
October 19, 2023
By Ruth Branson
You are finally doing it! You saved your nickels and you’re ready to take that trip you have been planning and dreaming of congratulations! Before you fly or sail off into the wild blue yonder there are a few things you may want to consider whether you are a seasoned traveler or a novice. The seven tips below may save you some time or money, prevent travel frustrations, and allow your trip to be enjoyable and carefree. So, let’s jump right in!
1. Long before you decide where you want to go, apply for your passport if you don’t have one already. Passport processing times vary depending on seasonal demand and can take up to 13 weeks or more. Don’t pay for a trip only to have it spoiled by not getting your passport back in time. If you already have a passport, check the expiration date. Some countries require that your passport be valid not only for the expected duration of your trip but also for 3-6 months beyond your return date so that you are covered in the event your return is delayed. Also, make sure that your passport has at least 4 blank pages, more if you are traveling to multiple countries. Some countries will not place their entry/exit stamps on pages that have already been stamped by other countries even if there is sufficient space to do so.
2. If you are traveling to a country that requires a visa, contact the embassy of that country to determine application time and requirements. Many countries do not require a visa for U.S. citizens if you will be in the country for short periods of time. You can go to the Country Information Sheet in the International Travel section on the travel.state.gov website and type in your destination country to obtain visa information for each country to which you will be traveling.
3. Do your research! The Country Information Sheets mentioned above also contain valuable information such as Travel Advisories & Travel Alerts, visa requirements, safety & security information, local laws, entry/exit requirements, and much more for each country in the world. Additionally, each Country Information Sheet has contact information for the U.S. embassy and consulates in the countries to which you are traveling.
4. It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance for your international trip. In many countries doctors and hospitals require payment prior to treatment and it is unlikely that your domestic insurance will cover you abroad. Should you be seriously injured abroad and require a medical evacuation (medevac) flight back home or to a country where your injuries can be adequately addressed, the cost will be astronomical. A medevac flight from the Caribbean can cost upwards of $15,000 and over $100,000 from Africa, Europe, Asia, or the Middle East. The insurance is relatively inexpensive and there are many reputable companies that offer it.
5. It is wise to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Once you create an account and enroll you will receive information about your country of travel and any Travel Warnings or Security Alerts. The embassy or consulate in country will be able to reach you and/or your designated contact to offer assistance in the event of emergencies such as political unrest or a natural disaster while traveling abroad.
6. In the event your passport is lost or stolen you can apply for a temporary passport at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You should make a copy of the passport photo and visa pages and put them in your luggage, room safe, or other place separate from the original. You may want to carry an additional copy on your person. Be aware that some countries require you to carry your original passport at all times.
7. Always be vigilant and guard your belongings at all times. Under no circumstances should you agree to carry anything back to the U.S. or to another country for anyone. Countless U.S travelers have done so only to discover they have unknowingly accepted illegal drugs or other illegal items and have been imprisoned abroad. Sentences for drug trafficking abroad are often lengthy and, in some countries, the penalty is execution. Ignorance is no excuse and there is very little the U.S. government can do for you in these situations.
I hope your trip is packed with delight and adventure and will provide you pleasant memories to look back on for years to come. Bon Voyage!
By Ruth Branson
You are finally doing it! You saved your nickels and you’re ready to take that trip you have been planning and dreaming of congratulations! Before you fly or sail off into the wild blue yonder there are a few things you may want to consider whether you are a seasoned traveler or a novice. The seven tips below may save you some time or money, prevent travel frustrations, and allow your trip to be enjoyable and carefree. So, let’s jump right in!
1. Long before you decide where you want to go, apply for your passport if you don’t have one already. Passport processing times vary depending on seasonal demand and can take up to 13 weeks or more. Don’t pay for a trip only to have it spoiled by not getting your passport back in time. If you already have a passport, check the expiration date. Some countries require that your passport be valid not only for the expected duration of your trip but also for 3-6 months beyond your return date so that you are covered in the event your return is delayed. Also, make sure that your passport has at least 4 blank pages, more if you are traveling to multiple countries. Some countries will not place their entry/exit stamps on pages that have already been stamped by other countries even if there is sufficient space to do so.
2. If you are traveling to a country that requires a visa, contact the embassy of that country to determine application time and requirements. Many countries do not require a visa for U.S. citizens if you will be in the country for short periods of time. You can go to the Country Information Sheet in the International Travel section on the travel.state.gov website and type in your destination country to obtain visa information for each country to which you will be traveling.
3. Do your research! The Country Information Sheets mentioned above also contain valuable information such as Travel Advisories & Travel Alerts, visa requirements, safety & security information, local laws, entry/exit requirements, and much more for each country in the world. Additionally, each Country Information Sheet has contact information for the U.S. embassy and consulates in the countries to which you are traveling.
4. It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance for your international trip. In many countries doctors and hospitals require payment prior to treatment and it is unlikely that your domestic insurance will cover you abroad. Should you be seriously injured abroad and require a medical evacuation (medevac) flight back home or to a country where your injuries can be adequately addressed, the cost will be astronomical. A medevac flight from the Caribbean can cost upwards of $15,000 and over $100,000 from Africa, Europe, Asia, or the Middle East. The insurance is relatively inexpensive and there are many reputable companies that offer it.
5. It is wise to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Once you create an account and enroll you will receive information about your country of travel and any Travel Warnings or Security Alerts. The embassy or consulate in country will be able to reach you and/or your designated contact to offer assistance in the event of emergencies such as political unrest or a natural disaster while traveling abroad.
6. In the event your passport is lost or stolen you can apply for a temporary passport at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You should make a copy of the passport photo and visa pages and put them in your luggage, room safe, or other place separate from the original. You may want to carry an additional copy on your person. Be aware that some countries require you to carry your original passport at all times.
7. Always be vigilant and guard your belongings at all times. Under no circumstances should you agree to carry anything back to the U.S. or to another country for anyone. Countless U.S travelers have done so only to discover they have unknowingly accepted illegal drugs or other illegal items and have been imprisoned abroad. Sentences for drug trafficking abroad are often lengthy and, in some countries, the penalty is execution. Ignorance is no excuse and there is very little the U.S. government can do for you in these situations.
I hope your trip is packed with delight and adventure and will provide you pleasant memories to look back on for years to come. Bon Voyage!