International Travel Checklist

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond return date

Many countries require 6-month validity — check your destination's entry requirements.

Make 2 photocopies of passport — leave one at home, carry one separately

Save a digital copy of passport to secure cloud storage or email

Visa obtained (if required for your destination)

Check visa requirements at travel.state.gov or your destination's embassy website.

ETIAS authorization obtained (if traveling to Europe after launch)

Required for U.S. citizens visiting Schengen Area countries. Apply at etias.com.

ESTA or entry authorization confirmed (if applicable)

Flight confirmation and e-tickets printed or saved offline

Hotel / accommodation confirmations printed or saved offline

Travel insurance policy documents and emergency contact number

Keep the claims number accessible — not just in email.

Full trip itinerary shared with a trusted contact at home

Driver's license (if planning to rent a car)

International Driving Permit (required in many countries)

Vaccination records / Yellow Fever card (if required)

Some countries require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination for entry.

Enrolled in STEP — Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Free U.S. government program. Enroll at step.state.gov to receive safety alerts and help in emergencies.

Located nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate at destination

Find locations at usembassy.gov.

Emergency contacts list saved offline (not just in phone)

Local emergency numbers noted (police, ambulance, fire)

Checked U.S. Travel Advisory level for destination

Levels 1–4 at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Travel insurance card / policy number accessible

Shared check-in plan with family or trusted contact

Hotel address written in local language (for taxis)

Prescription medications packed in original labeled bottles

Doctor's letter for prescription medications (especially controlled substances)

Extra supply of medications (at least 2 weeks beyond trip length)

Basic first-aid kit packed (bandages, antiseptic, pain reliever)

Destination-specific vaccines received (consult CDC traveler's health)

Malaria prophylaxis obtained (if traveling to high-risk areas)

Confirmed whether domestic health insurance covers international care

Medical alert ID worn or carried (if applicable)

Blood type and allergy information noted in wallet

Notified bank and credit card companies of travel dates and destinations

Identified which cards have no foreign transaction fees

Obtained some local currency before departure

Backup credit/debit card packed separately from primary

Emergency cash in USD stored separately from wallet

Researched ATM availability and fees at destination

Familiar with current exchange rate

Digital payment apps set up (Apple Pay, Google Pay) where accepted

International phone plan or SIM card arranged

Contact your carrier before departure — international roaming can be very expensive.

eSIM or local SIM card purchased for destination (if needed)

Power adapters and voltage converters packed

Check plug type and voltage for your destination at worldstandards.eu/electricity.

Portable battery charger / power bank packed

Offline maps downloaded (Google Maps, Maps.me)

Translation app downloaded with offline language packs

VPN app installed (recommended for public Wi-Fi security)

Important files backed up to cloud before departure

All devices password/PIN protected

TSA-approved luggage locks on checked bags

Luggage tags with contact info on all bags

Valuables, medications, and documents in carry-on (not checked)

Checked weather forecast and packed accordingly

Researched local dress codes and cultural norms

Laundry plan confirmed (hotel service, laundromat, or pack extra)

Snacks for long flights or layovers

Neck pillow and eye mask for long-haul flights

Reusable shopping bag packed (required in many countries)

Mail hold or trusted neighbor to collect mail

Automatic bill payments confirmed for travel period

Home security system armed / trusted person has key

Plants watered, pets cared for

Avoid posting real-time location on social media while traveling

Online check-in completed (24–48 hours before flight)

Planned to arrive at airport 3 hours early for international flights

Familiar with customs declaration requirements for return