Preparing for Your Trip Abroad
Traveling abroad is one of life's most eye-opening experiences. Nothing compares to taking yourself out of your element and immersing yourself in another culture. You'll likely come home feeling enriched and with plenty of stories to share with friends and family.
Unlike cross-country travel, international trips require much more legal documentation. Before you leave for a foreign country, you want to be sure your visit satisfies all local and international requirements, and that you have a way to contact home if you need to. If you've never been outside the country, you should begin making arrangements as soon as you can. And even if you're a seasoned international traveler, it's a good idea to keep a few of these suggestions in mind to make sure your trip goes as smoothly and safely as possible.
Apply for a Passport
If you've never traveled abroad before, you're going to need a passport. They are a worldwide requirement, and you'll need one in order to leave the United States and enter the country of your choice. However, passports must be applied for through the U.S. Department of State and generally take 4-6 weeks to process. Apply early to avoid delays.
Obtain a Visa
Some governments require visitors to present a visa in order to enter their countries legally. A visa is an official seal or document that certifies the intention of your visit. Business visas, travel visas, and work and study visas are all very common. They can be as simple as an official stamp inside of your passport, but some countries require different documents. To find out what documentation you will need, check the U.S. Department of State website.
Register with the U.S. Embassy
Many popular international destinations have a U.S. embassy or consulate nearby. You can register your travel plans with the embassy before you leave by visiting the State Department website (see the link above). By doing so, you'll be making your overseas presence known. If there is an emergency at home or near your destination, registering with the State Department will allow your local embassy to contact you. The embassy will also help you obtain funds, legal assistance, medical care, and other emergency services if needed. Keep in mind that your personal information cannot be released without your expressed consent, so be sure to fill out all the necessary forms.
Read the Consular Information Sheet
As your trip nears and you gather more and more details about your travel destination, research the country using information provided by the federal government. The State Department provides country-specific information via what is sometimes called the "consular information sheet." It contains essential "need to know" facts about each country and could impact your trip. Entry regulations, unusual currencies or practices, any current warnings or alerts to travelers, and other useful information are all provided free of charge. You can access the information online or by mailing a request with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4811
Department of State
Washington, DC 20520-4818
Interested in more suggestions as you prepare for a great trip abroad? We have several pages ready with the information you need. Read our tips on Preparing Financially to Travel Abroad and take the next steps toward your affordable dream vacation.