International Travel Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before You Leave the U.S.

Planning an international trip is exciting! Whether you're heading to Europe for two weeks, taking a Caribbean vacation, or exploring somewhere completely new, there's a lot to think about before leaving the country.

After a lifetime of traveling, I've learned that a little preparation can save you from some pretty big headaches.

Most people remember to book their flights, reserve their hotels, and pack their suitcases. But what about checking passport expiration requirements? Making sure your medications are allowed in another country? Or knowing what to do if your passport gets stolen?

The U.S. Department of State has an excellent international travel checklist, and I've put together 10 important things every traveler should do before leaving the United States.

Save this list for your next international adventure!

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1. Check Your Passport Expiration Date

This is one of the most important things to check before booking an international trip.

Many countries require your passport to remain valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, although requirements vary by destination.

Some countries also require one or more blank passport pages for entry stamps.

Before traveling:
- Check your passport's expiration date.
- Confirm your destination's passport validity requirements.
- Make sure you have enough blank pages.
- Apply for a renewal well in advance if necessary.

My tip: Don't wait until the last minute! Passport processing times can change, and expedited processing costs extra.

You can check current passport requirements and renewal information through the U.S. Department of State.

2. Know Your Destination's Entry Requirements

Having a valid passport doesn't necessarily mean you're ready to enter another country.

Depending on your destination, you may need a visa, an electronic travel authorization, or additional documentation.

For example:

• United Kingdom: Many U.S. travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
• European countries: Entry requirements vary, and travelers should check the current status of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before departure.
• Other destinations: Some countries require visas, proof of onward travel, or specific entry documentation.

My tip: Check the requirements for every country you're visiting, including countries where you have a connecting flight.

Don't assume that because you visited a country a few years ago, the requirements are still the same.

Use the State Department's International Travel Information Pages to look up your destination.

3. Register Your Trip With the U.S. State Department

This is something many travelers don't know about!

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service offered by the U.S. Department of State.

It allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive important information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

By enrolling, you can receive:
- Security alerts and travel advisories.
- Information about emergencies in your destination.
- Important updates from the U.S. embassy or consulate.

Your enrollment can also help the embassy contact you during an emergency.

My tip: Register before international trips, particularly when visiting unfamiliar destinations.

Sign up for free through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

4. Review Health and Medication Requirements

Before traveling internationally, check whether your destination has vaccination requirements, health recommendations, or restrictions on medications.

Something that surprises many travelers is that medications commonly prescribed in the United States may be restricted or prohibited in other countries.

This can include certain ADHD medications, pain medications, and other controlled substances.

Before your trip:
- Review destination-specific vaccination recommendations.
- Confirm whether your medications are permitted.
- Keep medications in their original labeled containers.
- Bring copies of prescriptions when appropriate.
- Check whether you need additional documentation or permits.

My tip: Always pack essential medications in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage.

For more information, read my guide:

Traveling With Medication: What to Know Before You Fly

You can also review destination-specific health recommendations through the CDC Travelers' Health website.

5. Consider Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn't the most exciting part of planning a vacation, but it can be incredibly important when something goes wrong.

Depending on your policy, travel insurance may provide coverage for:
- Trip cancellations or interruptions.
- Emergency medical expenses.
- Emergency medical evacuation.
- Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage.
- Certain unexpected travel delays.

One thing many travelers don't realize is that their regular U.S. health insurance may provide limited coverage—or no coverage—outside the United States.

And Medicare generally doesn't cover medical care outside the U.S., with limited exceptions.

My tip: Before purchasing a separate travel insurance policy, check whether your credit card already provides certain travel protections.

Many premium travel credit cards include benefits such as trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay coverage, or trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

However, these benefits are not the same as comprehensive travel medical insurance.

Always review the specific coverage terms, exclusions, and eligibility requirements.

6. Prepare Your Credit Cards and Money

You don't want to arrive in another country only to discover your credit card isn't working!

Before leaving:
- Check whether your cards charge foreign transaction fees.
- Make sure your bank has your current contact information.
- Set up transaction alerts.
- Bring at least two payment methods.
- Consider carrying a small amount of local currency.

Many banks no longer require travel notifications, but it's still worth checking your bank's policies.

My tip: When paying by credit card abroad, you may be asked whether you'd like to pay in U.S. dollars or the local currency.

Choose the local currency!

Selecting U.S. dollars often involves dynamic currency conversion, which can result in a less favorable exchange rate.

Also, don't carry every credit card you own when sightseeing. Bring what you need and keep backup cards somewhere secure.

If you need a credit card without international transaction fees, my favorite is the Chase Preferred Card. It also comes with a credit for Global Entry, $100 hotel credit, and a lot of travel protections. LEARN MORE HERE

7. Prepare Your Phone for International Travel

Your phone is probably one of the most important things you'll bring on your trip.

It's your camera, navigation system, boarding pass, translator, and connection to home.

Before leaving the United States:
- Check your cellular provider's international roaming options.
- Compare international plans with travel eSIM options.
- Download offline maps.
- Download airline, hotel, and transportation apps.
- Save important reservations and confirmations.
- Make sure your phone is backed up.

My tip: Consider using a phone lanyard or another secure way to carry your phone when sightseeing.

I learned this lesson the hard way when my phone was stolen in Barcelona!

Since then, I've become much more careful about protecting my phone, particularly in crowded tourist areas.

You can read more in my article:

How to Stay Safe While Traveling: 15 Tips to Avoid Pickpockets, Theft & Lost Valuables

8. Make Copies of Important Travel Documents

Losing your passport or important documents while traveling can turn a wonderful vacation into a stressful experience.

Before leaving, make copies of:
- Your passport identification page.
- Visas or travel authorizations.
- Travel insurance information.
- Flight and hotel confirmations.
- Important prescriptions.
- Your driver's license, if relevant.

Keep secure digital copies somewhere you can access if your phone is lost or stolen.

It's also helpful to leave copies of your itinerary and important documents with a trusted family member at home.

My tip: Keep your original passport secure and follow the identification requirements of the country you're visiting.

Some countries require travelers to carry their original passports, while others may accept alternative identification in certain circumstances. I always carry mine in a secure Travelon Crossbody. My husband carries his in a money belt.

Always check the rules for your destination.

9. Save Emergency Contact Information

Hopefully, you'll never need it. But if something goes wrong, you'll be glad you prepared.

Before your trip, save:
- The nearest U.S. embassy or consulate's contact information.
- Local emergency telephone numbers.
- Your travel insurance emergency assistance number.
- Your credit card companies' international contact numbers.
- Contact information for your hotels.
- An emergency contact back home.

My tip: Don't rely entirely on information stored in your phone.

Keep a small printed copy of essential emergency contacts in your luggage or wallet.

If your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll still have access to important information.

The State Department also provides assistance information for U.S. citizens experiencing emergencies abroad.

10. Pack With Your Destination in Mind

Finally, make sure you're packing for the destination you're actually visiting!

This sounds obvious, but there's more to it than checking the weather.

Before packing:
- Review the weather forecast and seasonal conditions.
- Research local customs and dress expectations.
- Check electrical outlet types and voltage requirements.
- Make sure your electronics and chargers are compatible. Bring a Universal Adaptor.
- Confirm airline baggage restrictions.
- Review any restrictions on items you're bringing into the country.

And remember, you don't necessarily need to check a suitcase just because you're traveling internationally!

My tip: Our family travels with carry-on luggage, even for longer international trips.

Packing light makes airports, trains, taxis, and hotel changes so much easier.

If you're interested in traveling with less luggage, check out my guide:

How to Pack for 10 Days in a Carry-On: My Simple Packing Strategy

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Bonus Tip: Check Travel Advisories Before You Leave

One final thing I always recommend is reviewing the U.S. Department of State's travel advisory for your destination.

Travel advisories provide information about safety concerns, local laws, security conditions, and other important issues.

The State Department assigns destinations advisory levels ranging from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).

These advisories can change, so it's worth checking them when you book your trip and again shortly before departure.

You can review the latest advisories on the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories page.

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Final Thoughts: A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

International travel doesn't have to be complicated or stressful.

A little preparation before departure can make a tremendous difference if something unexpected happens along the way.

I've traveled internationally for most of my life, and while I've learned plenty of lessons along the way, one thing has remained consistent: The more prepared you are before leaving home, the easier it is to relax and enjoy your trip.

So before your next international adventure, take a few minutes to work through this checklist.

And don't forget to save it for later!

Free Printable International Travel Checklist

Getting ready for an international trip? I've made it even easier!

Download my FREE International Travel Checklist with 10 important things to do before leaving the United States.

Print it out, check off each item as you prepare, and travel with a little more peace of mind.

Want More Travel Tips?

At Simply Points Travel, I share practical advice to help make travel easier, more affordable, and less stressful.

Whether you're learning how to pack lighter, looking for helpful travel essentials, or figuring out how to use credit card points and airline miles to travel for less, there's something here for you.

Explore my travel guides, packing lists, favorite travel essentials, and beginner-friendly points and miles resources.

Because traveling more doesn't have to mean spending more.

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Source: This checklist was inspired by the U.S. Department of State's official International Travel Checklist. Requirements vary by destination and can change, so always verify current information before traveling.

Official resource: U.S. Department of State International Travel Checklist