Travel abroad can be a thrilling, enlightening and educational experience! It can also be a nightmare if you don’t prepare the right paperwork well in advance of your intended departure.

If you are traveling from the United States to a foreign country for the first time, it is crucial that you research updated information about the documents you need to exit and enter different countries. We live in an unsure world where the borders of different countries are aggressively protected. If you leave home without the proper paperwork, you might never make it beyond U.S. borders – or worse yet, back home again -- without frustrating and expensive delay.

Heightened security threats could affect travel abroad. The Executive Branch of the U.S. government and Congress are responsible for U.S. foreign policy according to the U.S. Constitution. The Department of State (an agency that falls within the Executive Branch) is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency. It coordinates agencies to:

• develop and implement foreign policy
• manage foreign affairs resources
• lead and coordinate U.S. representation abroad
• conduct negotiations and conclude agreements and treaties on issues ranging from trade to nuclear weapons
• coordinate and support international activities of other U.S. agencies and officials

The Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs features a website at <http://travel.state.gov> on which people traveling to and from the United States will find important information regarding travel policies. Requirements are subject to change often, particularly where there is war and civil unrest in certain parts of the world. In addition to researching documents generally needed for travel, you should use the handy alphabetized section of this website to check for special requirements of your destination country. The website also features security warnings and travel news that could be pertinent to your plans. In addition to the information you will find at this website, you should check entry requirements with the consular officials in the countries you plan to visit.

Important Paperwork

Today many countries are particularly guarded due to recent and developing terrorist threats. Travel documents will be scrutinized closely so it is critical that you acquire and complete all of the required paperwork. The cost can be significant so it is also important to budget filing fees and count them among your travel expenses.

Visa:

No, this isn’t a credit card (although, you might want to consider taking a few of those along too). A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed by officials of a foreign country on a U.S. passport that allows the person bearing the visa to visit a foreign country.
If a visa is required for your destination, you can get it from the proper foreign consular representative before you travel. Contact the office of the consular well in advance to find out how much time is needed for processing. Consular contact information is available at the U.S. Department of State’s website. According to the U.S. Department of State, “Most foreign consular representatives are located in principal cities, and in many instances, a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular office in the area of his/her residence.”

When you do receive your visa, check it for mistakes immediately! Ask for any wrong information to be corrected before you attempt to leave the country.

Passport:

A valid passport is the best documentation available for foreign travel because it proves your U.S. citizenship. Not every country requires a passport, but you will still have to provide documentary evidence of citizenship and your identity without one.

There are different ways to prove U.S. citizenship including:

• a U.S. passport
• a certified (original) birth certificate
• a certificate of naturalization
• a certificate of citizenship

To prove your identity you might use a valid driver’s license or government identification card if they include a photograph and physical description of you.
If you use your passport to secure a visa, the U.S. Department of State requires that you sign it in ink and then write (in pencil only) your current address and daytime telephone number in the space provided so the passport can be returned to you if it somehow gets separated from the envelope in which you mail it.

Keep in mind that some countries require your U.S. passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. You might have to apply for a new passport if your current one does not meet the required period of validity.
The embassy or consulate of the country in which you plan to travel is the best source of information on these requirements.

Immunizations:

Infectious diseases are frightening prospects for some countries, particularly those that are underdeveloped. International Health Regulations adopted by the World Health Organization allow countries to require International Certificates of Vaccination against yellow fever, especially if you are traveling from an area of the world that is infected with yellow fever, according to the U.S. Department of State.
Some immunizations may not be required, but it is advisable for you to speak with your local state health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to find out which immunizations are recommended for the areas in which you plan to travel. You can visit the CDC online at <www.cdc.gov>.

AIDS/HIV Testing:

Because of the rampant and devastating effects of AIDS/HIV, many countries have regulations for AIDS testing, especially if you plan an extended stay in one particular country. Check with the embassy or consular for requirements of the country in which you plan to travel.

One last note…

As you plan your travel budget, remember that all international flights are subject to U.S. Immigration and U.S. Customs. They will be paid in advance when you pay for your ticket. It may also literally cost you to leave a foreign country, as many countries have departure fees. These are sometimes collected when you buy your ticket or when you leave the foreign country. Do your research in advance so you don’t get caught short of cash or credit!