International Travel Checklist: What to Do Before You Leave
Everything to sort out before an international trip, in the order you should do it, with links to the official sources that decide the rules.
The short answer: start with your passport and entry requirements about three months before you travel, because they take the longest to fix. Then book insurance, sort out money and health, and finish with copies of your documents and a final check of travel advisories in the last week.
This checklist is ordered by lead time, so the slowest tasks come first.
Three months or more before you travel
Check your passport
Look at three things: the expiry date, the number of blank pages, and the condition of the passport. Many countries refuse entry if your passport expires within six months of your arrival, and some require at least one or two blank pages for stamps. A damaged passport can also be refused. Our guide to the six month passport rule explains how validity rules work.
If you need a new passport, apply now. Processing times vary by country and season, so check your passport authority's current estimate rather than relying on last year's experience. US citizens can find current times on the US State Department travel site.
Confirm entry requirements
Entry rules are set by the country you are visiting, and they depend on your nationality. For each country on your route, including transit stops, confirm:
- whether you need a visa or an electronic travel authorization
- how long you may stay
- whether you need proof of onward travel or funds
- any health entry requirements
Use the destination government's official site or your own government's country pages. Avoid third party sites that charge fees for forms you can submit directly.
One to two months before you travel
Buy travel insurance
Buy insurance soon after you book, because trip cancellation cover usually only applies to events that happen after you buy the policy. Check that it covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation at your destination. See what travel insurance covers.
Check health advice
Check the vaccination and health advice for your destination with a travel clinic or an official source such as the CDC Travelers' Health pages. Some vaccines need several weeks to become effective or require more than one dose, so do not leave this to the last week.
If you take prescription medication, check that it is legal at your destination and carry it in its original labeled packaging.
Two to four weeks before you travel
Sort out money
- Tell your bank and card issuers your travel dates if they ask for notice.
- Check which of your cards charge foreign transaction fees and plan to use one that does not.
- Carry at least two payment cards, kept in different places.
- Get a small amount of local currency for arrival, or know where you will withdraw it.
Plan your phone and data
Decide whether you will use an international roaming plan, a local SIM card or an eSIM. Check that your phone is unlocked if you plan to use a local SIM.
Register with your embassy
Some governments offer free registration for citizens abroad so they can contact you in an emergency. US citizens can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
The week before you travel
| Task | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Check official travel advisories | Conditions can change close to departure |
| Save digital and paper copies of your passport, insurance and bookings | Speeds up replacement if anything is lost |
| Confirm baggage allowances with your airline | Avoids fees at the airport |
| Check airport security rules for liquids and batteries | Keeps you moving through screening |
| Download offline maps and translation | Works without data on arrival |
| Share your itinerary with someone at home | Someone knows where you are |
Our guide to the TSA liquids rule covers what you can pack in carry on luggage at US airports.
The day before you travel
- Check in online and save your boarding pass.
- Check your flight status and the recommended arrival time at the airport.
- Pack your passport, cards, medication and chargers in your carry on bag.
- Confirm how you will get from the arrival airport to your accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I start preparing for an international trip?
Start about three months before departure. Passport renewals, visas and some vaccinations can take weeks, so those need the longest lead time.
What documents should I carry when traveling abroad?
Carry your passport, any visa or travel authorization, your insurance details with the emergency phone number, your accommodation address and your return or onward ticket. Keep digital copies in a secure place you can reach from your phone.
Should I tell my bank I am traveling?
Many banks no longer require notice, but some still block cards when they see unexpected foreign transactions. Check your bank's app or website and add a travel notice if the option exists.
Sources
- US Department of State, Travel.State.Gov, passports and international travel: travel.state.gov
- US Department of State, Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: step.state.gov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Travelers' Health: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel