top of page

Before You Go

Travel  Checklist

A trip requires careful planning.  Here are some important steps to prepare for a safe trip outside the United States.  Before traveling abroad, make sure to:

​

  1. GET INFORMED about where you are going, at travel.state.gov/destination.

  2. GET REQUIRED DOCUMENTS such as your passport and visas.

  3. GET ENROLLED in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security and emergency alerts.

  4. GET INSURED for medical, evacuation, and other unexpected expenses.

Learn About  Your Destination

Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings are vital tools to help you learn more about the specific place you plan to visit, including conditions that may affect your safety and security.  The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) provides Country Specific Information for every country of the world. You will find the location of the U.S. embassy and any consular offices, information about whether you need a visa, crime and security information, health and medical considerations, drug penalties, localized hot spots and more. This is a good place to start learning about where you are going.  

​​

Your Health Abroad

A trip requires careful planning.  Here are some important steps to prepare for a safe trip outside the United States.  Before traveling abroad, make sure to:

​

  1. CHECK YOUR HEATH INSURANCE.  Before you go abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas.

  2. WHAT ABOUT MEDICARE? You are NOT covered by Medicare abroad.  The Social Security Medicare program does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside of the United States.

  3. TRAVEL SMARTLY WITH PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS.  If you have pre-existing medical problems, learn the recommended procedures and guidelines for carrying prescription medication abroad.

  4. GET VACINATED. Vaccinations are required for some countries.  Before you travel, check the Country Specific Information and contact the foreign embassy of the country to be visited or transited through for current entry requirements.

  5. PREPARE FOR OTHER HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS ABROAD. 

​

NOTE:  INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS PAGE CAN BE FOUND ON THE US DEPARTMENT OF STATE - BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS WEBSITE

bottom of page