International Travel Checklist: Before You Leave the U.S.

Preparing for an international trip involves more than booking flights and packing clothes. A few administrative and logistical steps taken before you leave the United States can prevent delays, fees, and emergencies abroad. This checklist covers passport requirements, visas, health preparations, money management, phone and power solutions, and document backups so you can travel with confidence.

Passport Validity and Blank Pages

Your passport is the most important document you carry. Start by checking its expiration date well ahead of your departure. Many countries require your passport to be valid for a period beyond your intended departure date. Visit the State Department country information pages to look up the specific validity requirement for each country on your itinerary. If your passport does not meet that requirement, renew it before you travel.

Also check that you have enough blank visa pages. Some countries require at least one or two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. If your passport is running low on blank pages, you may need to request additional pages or renew your passport. Carry your passport in a secure, easily accessible place. A passport holder can help protect the document and keep it organized with your boarding pass and other travel documents.

As a general rule, check the State Department country information pages and your airline’s passport requirements before you finalize your travel plans.

Visas and Entry Requirements

Visa rules vary widely by destination. Some countries allow U.S. passport holders to enter visa-free for tourism, while others require a visa obtained in advance or an electronic travel authorization. Visit the State Department country information pages for each country you plan to visit to see the specific visa requirements, processing times, and fees.

Some destinations offer visa on arrival or e-visa options. If you need to apply for a visa in advance, start the process early, as some applications require an in-person appointment at an embassy or consulate. Make sure your passport has the required blank pages for visa stickers and entry stamps. Print a copy of your approved visa or electronic travel authorization and keep it with your passport.

Entry requirements can change with little notice. Always confirm the current rules with the destination country’s embassy or consulate and check your airline’s entry requirements before departure.

STEP Enrollment

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service from the U.S. Department of State. When you enroll, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can contact you in case of an emergency, such as a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency at home. You also receive travel alerts and warnings for your destination.

Enrolling in STEP takes only a few minutes. You can enter your itinerary, contact information, and emergency contacts. Even if you are only traveling for a short time, enrolling provides a valuable safety net. Share your enrollment details with a family member or friend back home so they know how the embassy can reach you.

Health: Vaccines and Medications

Visit the CDC Travelers’ Health page for your destination to see recommended vaccines, routine immunizations, and health notices. Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Schedule a travel health appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinic several weeks before your trip, as some vaccines require multiple doses over time.

If you take prescription medications, carry enough for the entire trip plus a small extra supply in case of delays. Keep medications in their original labeled bottles. Check the TSA liquids rule for liquid medications, and review the TSA What Can I Bring page for guidance on carrying pills and medical supplies in carry-on luggage. For any medication that is controlled in your destination country, check the embassy’s website for entry requirements.

Pack a basic travel health kit with items such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and any personal first aid supplies. If you are traveling to an area with malaria or other mosquito-borne illnesses, ask your doctor about prophylactic medication and bring an EPA-registered insect repellent, such as one with DEET or picaridin.

Money: Cards, Fees and Cash

If your bank or card issuer asks for travel notices, set them up before you leave so your cards are not frozen for suspicious activity. Ask about foreign transaction fees, which many cards charge on purchases made outside the U.S. Consider carrying a credit card with no foreign transaction fees as your primary payment method.

Carry a mix of payment options: a credit card, a debit card for ATM withdrawals, and some cash in U.S. dollars. Once you arrive, you can exchange a small amount of cash at a bank or airport exchange counter, or withdraw local currency from an ATM. Notify your bank about ATM usage abroad to avoid blocks. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; instead, rely on cards and ATMs for most expenses.

Keep your cash and cards in separate locations. A money belt or hidden pouch can provide extra security in crowded areas. Also write down the international customer service numbers for your bank and card issuers in case you lose a card or need assistance.

Phone and Data

Using your U.S. phone plan abroad can result in high roaming charges. Contact your mobile carrier to ask about international plans or add-on packages that include data, calls, and texts for your destination. Alternatively, if your phone is unlocked, you can purchase a local SIM card or an eSIM data plan when you arrive. eSIMs can often be set up before you leave, giving you data as soon as you land.

Download offline maps, translation apps, and any travel guides you may need before you depart. Save digital copies of your important documents, such as your passport and visa, in a secure cloud service or encrypted folder on your phone. For tips on staying comfortable and entertained during the flight, see our long flight essentials guide.

Check the FAA PackSafe lithium batteries page for rules on carrying power banks and spare batteries in your carry-on luggage. Lithium batteries must typically be carried in your carry-on, not in checked baggage.

Plugs and Power

Electrical outlets and voltage standards vary by country. Before you leave, check the plug type and voltage used at your destination. The United States uses 110–120 volt power with Type A and B plugs, while many other countries use 220–240 volt power with different plug shapes.

If your devices are dual-voltage (most phone chargers, laptops, and camera chargers are), you only need a plug adapter to fit the outlet. If you plan to bring a single-voltage appliance such as a hair dryer or electric razor, you may need a voltage converter in addition to an adapter. A universal adapter can handle multiple plug types and is a convenient all-in-one solution. For a detailed explanation of when you need an adapter versus a converter, read our guide Do You Need a Travel Adapter or a Voltage Converter?

Pack a power strip or multi-port USB charger so you can charge multiple devices from a single adapter. This reduces the number of adapters you need and makes it easier to charge everything in your hotel room.

Copies of Documents

Losing your passport or visa while abroad can be stressful, but having copies speeds up the replacement process. Make at least two copies of each important document: your passport data page, visa, travel itinerary, hotel reservations, travel insurance policy, and emergency contacts. Keep one set of physical copies in a separate bag from the originals, and leave another set with a trusted person at home.

Store digital copies in an encrypted cloud service, email them to yourself, or save them in a password-protected folder on your phone. If your documents are lost or stolen, you can access the copies from any internet-connected device. For a complete list of everything to prepare before a trip, see our Travel Checklist.

FAQ

How far in advance should I check my passport and visa requirements?

Start at least several weeks before your departure. Passport renewal can take time, and some visa applications require appointments and processing time. Check the State Department country information pages and the destination country’s embassy website for current timelines.

Do I need travel insurance for international trips?

Travel insurance is not required for most destinations, but it is strongly recommended. Look for a policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation or interruption, lost baggage, and emergency evacuation. Check the policy details to understand what is covered and how to file a claim while abroad.

What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen overseas?

Report the loss immediately to the local police and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Having a copy of your passport data page and a passport photo will speed up the issuance of an emergency replacement passport. Enrolling in STEP before your trip helps the embassy assist you more quickly.

Can I use my U.S. driver’s license as identification abroad?

A U.S. driver’s license is not a valid substitute for a passport when crossing international borders. You must carry your passport for all international travel. A driver’s license may be useful as a secondary ID, but your passport is the primary document. If you plan to drive, check whether your destination also requires an International Driving Permit.

Taking care of these steps before you leave the United States sets you up for a smoother, safer international trip. Each item on this checklist addresses a common travel pitfall, from expired documents to unexpected fees. Review each section, check the official sources linked throughout, and adjust based on your specific destination and travel style. Safe travels.