By Karla Sullivan
As Americans embark on destinations around the world for business and pleasure, the success of their trips depends on thorough research. Traveling abroad requires knowledge on crossing U.S. borders, customs overseas, and a detailed list of items to pack.
Regardless of your destination, it is imperative to check with the U.S. State Department website for any warnings that may have been issued for a country.
For example, today the US Department of State warns citizens of the high security threat level in Yemen due to terrorist activities and urges individuals to defer travel.
Make sure your passport is current.
Passports can be renewed by mail at travel.state.gov as long as your current name has not changed, the passport is not more than 15 years old, and was issued when you were 16 years or older.
If your original passport is damaged, you need to apply in person. Processing generally takes four to six weeks, although you can request faster service.
A visa must be obtained from the country itself. Visa requirements vary among countries but are generally not needed for a short-term visit.
It is also a good idea to check with the Centers for Disease Control for recommended vaccinations. Yellow fever is common in many countries and the CDC offers information concerning vaccination centers for this.
Travel notices inform travelers and health care providers about current health issues.
For example as of June, 12, 2014 four cases of polio have been reported from Equatorial Guinea. Before 2014, not cases had been reported since 1999. In December 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported cases of chikungunya in Saint Martin. Additional cases were reported in other islands in the Caribbean. This is the first time that local transmission of chikungunya has been reported in the Americas. CDC recommends that travelers to the Caribbean protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Travel notices are provided that include a watch which constitutes a higher risk, an alert which suggest to follow precautions and a warning which means to avoid all necessary travel.
If you are traveling overseas, it is always a good idea to check with a health care provider to get the advice that you need especially if you have a chronic health condition.
Travel insurance is available and can offer valuable medical coverage, beyond what your health insurance may cover. Plans can include coverage if your trip is cancelled last minute and lost luggage including cell phone replacement if necessary.
