A lot of work goes into preparing for a trip abroad and not every country has the same cookie-cutter requirements. Through trial and error, I have created a checklist for myself that I use to double check that I have everything needed before heading to the airport. It's also helpful to carry extra photos and other necessary documents in case unexpected requirements pop up. In the game of travel, preparation is key!

Visa

Visa research should be your first step when planning a trip. Too many times a friend has excitedly told me about their upcoming trip abroad but has forgotten to attain their visa. It is easy to get caught up planning all the exciting and fun parts of the trip that you forget to research how to enter the country.

I have a friend who failed to get his visa before his trip to Vietnam (this was before Vietnam changed their visa requirements). Gate agents denied him entry to his flight, and he missed his vacation he had been planning. Do your research before your travels. Immigration agents don't mess around and could not care less when you tell them you are missing your vacation.

Find out the proper ways to get the visa. Countries like China and Cuba require visitors to secure a visa beforehand, where paperwork needs to be submitted and accepted before boarding the plane. Other countries, like Cambodia, allow visitors to apply for a visa upon arrival. Research the requirements needed to have a seamless entry.

Familiarize yourself with the terms of your tourist visa. Factors like the number of days allowed and if it is a multiple/single entry visa are important to know when researching and planning your trip. Most countries have stiff penalties for overstaying your visa, even for one day.

Carry extra visa appropriate photos with you when traveling.

Passport

If you are leaving the country, you will need to have a valid passport. Most countries require visitors to have at least six months left on their passport and one empty page. Triple check that you haven't left to the airport without it. Read our article on applying for a U.S. passport for American Citizens here.

How to get your first U.S. Passport here

Vaccinations

The WHO (World Health Organization) and the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) are the best resources when researching which vaccinations are recommended and required. Most countries recommend being up-to-date on your vaccinations and may recommend certain vaccines if you are traveling to specific areas. Research the necessities and know before you go. Nothing sucks more than missing out on an adventure because you got malaria.

Visit the CDC website here

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is recommended to travelers but is rarely deemed mandatory as an entry requirement. So far, Cuba has been the only country I have been to that requires visitors to have travelers insurance and has been known to ask for proof. Many US airlines, such as Jetblue, include insurance in the cost of the airfare. Some travel credit cards include travel insurance as a benefit.

Entrance/exit fees

Countries like Cuba, the Philippines, and Bolivia have entrance fees all of which require a different method of payment. Entrance and exit fees for Cuba are included in the U.S. airlines ticket price. In the Philippines, the entrance and exit fees need to be in cash at the border. Bolivia had a reciprocity fee that needed to be paid online before arriving at the border. Being familiar with the policies will help you know what to expect and how to prepare.

Proof of onward travel

Many countries require proof of onward travel to attain a visa. Most times the immigration form will have a space to write in your intentional date of departure. They are looking for proof that you won't overstay your visa. The immigration agent could ask for proof of departure.

Hotel reservations

Immigration forms typically require the name and address of your hotel. Write the address down as you may not be able to access the internet before immigration/border control. It is also good to have the name and address readily available so you can quickly take a taxi.

Copies of documents

I strongly recommend having copies of relevant documents. You will want hard and electronic copies of your passport, drivers license, credit cards, health insurance and travel insurance. I would also recommend having only electronic versions of your social security card and your birth certificate. Having backups of these documents come in handy if your passport is stolen, lost or damaged and you need your embassy's help to replace it.

Copies of your credit cards should include the card information essential in case it is lost or stolen. Call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you are leaving the country. Many companies have streamlined this process making it easy to do within their app. The easiest method for an electronic backup is to take a picture of your document and let it hang out in your phone’s camera roll.

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