International Travel

Foreign entry requirements

If you're a U.S. citizen traveling abroad, make this site required reading. Look up the country you plan to visit -- or transit through -- and find out whether a visa or other documents are required.  You might be surprised. Some countries also ask for several photos, a confirmation from your hotel and a letter of invitation.

  • Adults taking children overseas: Some countries, like Mexico, require notarized parental consent for children under age 18 traveling alone, with one parent, or in someone else's custody.

Passports

Where can I get a passport application?  What if mine was lost or stolen?  How can I get a passport in a hurry? This site has answers to those questions and more.

Medical/health requirements

Take note of what vaccinations or immunizations you might need for your trip on the Centers for Disease Control's "Travelers' Health" site. Some vaccines need at least four weeks to take effect so don't procrastinate. And if you plan on taking the kids overseas, the CDC covers "Traveling with Children."

Travel warnings

Read the U.S. Consular Information Sheet on the country you plan to visit. It will give you insight into such topics as crime, areas of instability and customs regulations.

Embassy information

Want a bit of home away from home? Take note of a U.S. embassy or consulate wherever you're going.

U.S. Customs

The U.S. Customs Service covers you coming and going with its "Traveler Information" site. Find out why Customs officials took that ham from you when you came back from Madrid, what kind of prescription drugs you can or can't pick up, and why you might have been charged duty on that trinket from the "duty-free" shop. And yes, Cuban cigars are still generally banned from entry into the U.S.

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IATA Travel Centre

Passport, visa and health advice for personal and business travel.