Information for International Travel

   Travel requirements for foreign travel are different than those for domestic travel and usually more complicated and time consuming. Start your preparations at least two months ahead of time in order to arrange the best ticket prices, get foreign country information, passport, visa, immunizations, authorization, etc. Specific information regarding available resources and some general recommendations are given below:

 
Medical insurance coverage

Medical Evacuation Insurance

 Travelers are strongly advised to review their medical insurance for applicability and benefits available outside the United States.

Medical evacuation insurance is not medical insurance but will provide what your medical insurance may not conveniently provide: arrangements and payment for evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility, arrangements and payment for return of a deceased person to the U.S., and/or referrals to and follow-up with local medical services in any country in the world outside the U.S. 

Travelers are strongly advised to purchase International Medical and Medical Evacuation coverage for their travel.

Some of the vendors that provide international medical and evacuation coverage are:

MEDEX - http://www.medexassist.com/           410-453-6300

International SOS - http://www.internationalsos.com/    800-523-8930
Vehicle Rental For details visit - http://www.fiu.edu/~ehs/risk_management/risk_auto_ins_liability_int.htm
   U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets All travelers to foreign countries review these advisories: http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for information on the current status of the country of travel. The advisories provide a short description of the country, entry requirements, laws, precautions, locations of foreign embassies in the United States and US Embassies in foreign countries. 

See also the U.S. Department of State home page http://www.state.gov/index.cfm for links to more travel information.

Foreign country embassies can also provide other current information such as what method of payment (cash, travelers checks, credit cards) you can use in their country, climate, clothing, customs, etc. Embassies in general often are open short hours, only a few hours in the morning or early afternoon.

 
   Foreign travel immunization requirements, recommendations  The U.S. Health Department Centers for Disease Control (CDC)  http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm maintains the latest information and recommendations for health risks on its web site.  Review the region for the country you are visiting. The "Blue Sheet" lists current problem areas. 

There will be a few requirements and more recommendations.  Every traveler has different requirements for maintaining good health.  We strongly suggest you read the CDC information carefully, consult with a foreign travel clinic and your regular physician and decide what is prudent for your specific travel.  Talking with someone who has recently traveled to your destination, or your host there, may also be helpful. 

The best medicine is prevention, i.e.: If the water is at all questionable, drink only clean, bottled or boiled water, even for brushing teeth. Never have drinks with ice in them, even in bars and hotels.  Avoid insects, such as mosquitos and flies, which carry Malaria and other diseases, by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks, by avoiding areas where insects are, and/or by using insecticide on all exposed skin areas when outside. 

Note:  Appointments, immunizations, prescriptions may take several weeks to receive or become effective.  Health units suggest you finish taking immunizations at least 10 days prior to traveling for maximum effectiveness.  If you require several immunizations, you may need more than one appointment, so start your action early. 
  Passport applications and instructions A U.S. passport is the surest and easiest source of identification in foreign countries. However, it's primary purpose is to identify you as a U.S. citizen when you return to the U.S. New and renewal passport applications and instructions may be down loaded from the US State Department's web site: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Make sure your passport is still valid as soon as you know your are traveling to a foreign country.  Obtaining a new or renewed passport can take up to six weeks. You must submit proof of birth such as a certified copy of your birth certificate. Some countries want your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your plan to leave their country. Keep copies of your passport and visas in a separate place from your passport and at home in case the passport gets lost or stolen. They won't substitute, but will help in obtaining new ones. Some countries require a photo when entering the country or at a check-point. Extra passport type photos could come in handy. 
For security, send official documents by an express mail delivery service that can track them such as FedEx.  
Foreign entry requirements for visa  Foreign entry requirements http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html vary by country.  Visa applications may be obtained from the country's embassy in Washington, DC, phone numbers and addresses included on the web site. Many countries also offer downloadable forms at their official web site which can often be found by searching the web for the name of the foreign country.

The visa sections of the embassies are often open only a few hours a day, in the morning or the middle of the day. Usually, the visa is placed on a page in your passport, but some countries may offer a loose leaf visa. A loose leaf visa may be removed in case you later travel to a country that doesn't have official relations with the country of the loose leaf visa and doesn't want to admit anyone who has. 
For security, send official documents, i.e. passport, by an express mail delivery service that can track them such as FedEx.