International Travel Tips and Resources

Airline Consolidator offers these international travel tips and resources to help make your journey safer and more enjoyable, and your preparations easier.

International Travel Resources

Consular Affairs Publications
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Provides an excellent general introduction to international travel, describing required travel documents, with tips and resources for US citizens abroad. Special advice for travelers with special needs, older travelers, and students; information about overseas citizens services; and resources for a safe and healthy trip.

US Passports

For most travel outside the United States, US citizens need to have a current passport. Routine passport service currently takes four to six weeks. Two to three week expedited service is available for an additional fee. Note that some countries require that your passport be valid for six months beyond your return date.

Passport Services and Information
U.S. Department of State, Passport Services
Provides complete forms and information on how, when and where to apply for or renew your passport. Includes new requirements for identification, and up to date processing times.

Visas, Immunizations, and Entry Requirements

Some countries issue you an entry visa upon your arrival, requiring only a valid US passport and proof of necessary immunizations. Many, though, require that your visa application and passport be submitted in advance for processing. Check international entry requirements well before you leave... and allow four to six weeks for vaccinations to take effect.

Foreign Entry Requirements and Country Specific Information
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Summarizes foreign entry and exit requirements to all countries for U.S. citizens traveling on tourism or business. Includes visas, identification requirements, immunizations, required medical tests, international travel restrictions, and fees. Detailed country by country travel advice, consular and embassy resources, and advisories on travel safety.

Current International Travel Warnings
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, American Citizens Services
Lists Travel Warnings issued when the State Department recommends that Americans either avoid a certain country or carefully consider the dangers and local conditions.

Current Travel Alerts
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, American Citizens Services
Travel Alerts are issued to advise about short term conditions that might pose a danger to travelers. Up to date information while you're traveling is available on TravelGov's Twitter and Facebook pages.

Travelers' Health

These sites provide in depth travel-related health information, with tips on staying healthy during your trip.

International Travel Health Tips
Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Infectious Diseases
Describes how to prepare for a safe and healthy trip. Site offers detailed vaccination recommendations, information about specific diseases that might affect your foreign travel, tips on safe food and water, and advice for healthy international travel with infants and children.

Your Health Inflight
Suggestions on healthy flying. How to maintain your health before, during, and after your flight, with helpful inflight exercises you can perform while seated.

International Airline Tickets

Guide to Discount Airfares, Consolidators, and Consolidator Fares
Our own guide to finding cheap flights. Discusses consolidators and consolidator fares, and explains why they are one of the great bargains available to the international traveler.

Airports, Security, and Customs

Security and Screening at U.S. Airports
Transportation Security Administration
Current information about airport check-in and security procedures. Together with the TSA Travel Assistant, offers key air travel tips and suggests preparations you can make to save time when you reach the airport. Recommendations on clothing for security checkpoints, acceptable identification, special passenger considerations (including disabilities), permitted and prohibited items, and guidance on packing and locking checked baggage.

Customs Information for International Travel
U.S. Bureau of Customs
Advises the international traveler of the rules for bringing items back to the US, with information on duty-free exemptions, personal belongings, and prohibited and restricted items. Includes things you should know before you leave the country.

Destination Information

To enhance your international travel experience, make sure you get yourself a good guidebook, in either printed or eBook form, and check out the many country specific sites on the web. The following sites will help with the logistics of your trip.