A Traveler’s Check List for International Travel
Congratulations, you've booked your dream international adventure! Now comes the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) task of preparation. Fear not, fellow travelers, for Vacations To Remember is here to guide you with our ultimate checklist for a smooth and unforgettable experience.
Safeguard Your Documents!
Make copies of all your travel documents. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative and carry the other separately from your original documents. Also, take a photograph of your travel documents with your phone to have an electronic copy.
Passport: Check your passport expiration dates as soon as you start planning a trip, and remember passports issued to children under 16 are only valid for only five years. Some countries – including most of Europe – will require that your passport expiration date is at least six months away. If you need a new passport, apply early to allow for delays; click here for passport information.
Visas: Check with the embassy of your destination regarding visa requirements.
Medications: Some prescription drugs (including narcotics) and some U.S. over-the-counter medications are illegal in other countries. Check with the embassy of your destination(s) about regulations and documentation before you travel.
Consent for Travel with Minors: If you are traveling alone with children, foreign border officials may require custody documents or notarized written consent from the other parent. Check with the embassy of your foreign destination before traveling to see what you may need.
International Driving Permit: Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license, but most accept an International Driving Permit (IDP). You may also need supplemental auto insurance. Read more about driving and road safety abroad before you go.
Passport, visa & entry requirements
The Importance of Travel Insurance:
The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. The US government does not pay medical bills or unexpected costs. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance before you travel to cover emergency medical care, either as part of or separate from trip cancellation insurance. Click here to get a quote and purchase.
Health Insurance: Medical facilities and providers abroad may require cash upfront and may not accept U.S. insurance plans. U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not provide coverage outside the United States. Check your health care policy to see if it will cover you overseas. If not, consider buying supplemental insurance. Make sure the insurance you purchase covers any special medical needs or risks you anticipate on your trip.
Emergency Medical Evacuation: Evacuation for medical treatment can cost more than $100,000. You should strongly consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance in case of an emergency overseas.
Get Informed:
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Enroll at step.state.gov to receive travel and security updates about your destination, and to help us reach you in an emergency.
Safety and Security Information: Read the Travel Advisory and Alerts for the countries you will be visiting at travel.state.gov/destination.
Crisis Planning: Read Crisis Abroad: Be Ready
Health Precautions: Read Your Health Abroad and check out recommendations for vaccinations and other health considerations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).
Money Matters: Before going abroad, notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel, and check exchange rates. For information about using cash, debit/credit cards, and ATMs overseas, read the country information page for your destination.
As mentioned above, in order to enter any country in Europe, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry. We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
Update on ETIAS:
Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
If you've been keeping up with the news, you may be aware that a new requirement to travel to Europe is projected to go into effect in 2025. This requirement is known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
This is a travel authorization form, not to be confused with a visa. It's being introduced for increased border security—the electronic system will keep track of who's coming and going. At this time, the European Union hasn't released a specific date for when this requirement will go into effect, but it will likely start in mid-2025.
Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once.
Once available, the ETIAS application process can be completed online, and it's expected to be easy to fill out. You’ll be asked to provide basic personal details, travel plans, and passport information. The travel authorization will cost 7 euros for those between the ages of 18 and 70 and be free for those under 18 and over 70. Most applications will be processed and approved within four days unless more information is requested. Approved ETIAS submissions will remain valid for three years or until the date of the applicant's passport expiration date, whichever is sooner. Travelers won't receive physical documentation once approved, rather the confirmation is linked to the passport.
All travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. We'll continue to update this blog as more details become available. For more information, refer to the European Union's official ETIAS website.
Which Countries Require ETIAS Travel Authorization?
When determining if you require ETIAS approval, please also consider any countries you may be visiting independently before or after your tour. ETIAS isn't required if you have a layover in a country requiring ETIAS approval, as long as you remain in the international transit area of the airport. This list was compiled in 2024 and Vacations To Remember is not responsible for changes, errors, or omissions.
Country - ETIAS required?
Albania No
Austria Yes
Belgium Yes
Bulgaria Yes
Croatia Yes
Czech Republic Yes
Denmark Yes
Estonia Yes
Finland Yes
France Yes
Germany Yes
Greece Yes
Hungary Yes
Iceland Yes
Ireland No
Italy Yes
Latvia Yes
Liechtenstein Yes
Lithuania Yes
Luxembourg Yes
Macedonia No
Monaco Yes
Montenegro No
Netherlands Yes
Norway Yes
Poland Yes
Portugal Yes
Romania Yes
Serbia No
Slovakia Yes
Slovenia Yes
Spain Yes
Sweden Yes
Switzerland Yes
Turkey No
United Kingdom No
Packing Pro-Tips:
Make Copies: Photocopy your passport, ID, and travel documents. Leave a copy with a trusted contact and store a digital copy in your email.
Pack Light: Opt for versatile clothing and layers to maximize space and outfit combinations.
Essentials Bag: Pack a carry-on bag with essentials like medications, a change of clothes, and travel toiletries in case of checked baggage delays.
Essentials Kit: Include a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, and any toiletries you can't find travel-sized versions of.
By following this checklist, you'll be well on your way to a fantastic international adventure. For further destination-specific advice or to book your dream trip, contact the travel experts at Vacations To Remember today! We're here to make your international travel dreams a reality.