International travelers must go through a lot
of evaluation and bureaucratic red tape to get to their destination.
Whether a first time tourist to another country or a businessperson who
makes frequent flights overseas, travelers heading outside of the
country should review all of the required documents before the day of
the flight, to ensure as smooth a trip as possible.
Passport
The most basic of required documents for
international travelers is the passport. Passports can be applied for
online or at government buildings such as the post office. (Regardless,
the passport must be signed in the presence of an Acceptance Agent.) To
apply for a passport, the traveler must present a state ID and a
document proving American citizenship, such as a birth certificate,
naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship. The traveler
must also have a 2 by 2 passport photo taken through a travel agency or
photography studio.
Passports can take 6 to 12 weeks to arrive,
but there are emergency situations where, for an extra fee, the
passport can be rushed to the traveler. Travelers should double check
that their passports have been signed and verified before they arrive
at the airport.
Visa
Some countries require that visitors acquire
a foreign entry visa as well as a passport before they will be allowed
entry. These visas are issued once the representatives of the country
can evaluate the reasons for and length of the traveler's trip. Not all
countries require visas for trips shorter than 30 to 90 days. Contact
the U.S. Department of State or a travel agent for more information.
Students studying abroad and other travelers
heading to another country to work must present a visa at the airport
as well. Travelers studying abroad can usually get their student visas
with the help of their current and foreign educational institutions.
Likewise, workers with jobs abroad can ask for assistance from their
employers. Travelers cannot get a work visa without already being hired
for a job, but they may be eligible for a temporary long-term visa that
will allow the traveler to look for work.
Other Forms
While optional, it is a smart idea for international travelers to
purchase travel insurance that covers any unexpected flight delays and
the accommodation costs associated with a delay. Travel insurance can
also cover emergency hospital stays, and lost, damaged or stolen
property. Proof of travel insurance should be carried at all times
during the trip. International travelers may also consider registering
their trips with the U.S. State Department, which will make government
help during emergencies easier.
What to Expect
International travelers can expect to head to
Customs upon arrival in another country, where their passports, visas
and other documents will again be reviewed. Travelers will often be
photographed and have their fingerprints taken in Customs. Customs will
also require travelers to declare any items purchased in another
country that will be staying in the present country (gifts while
heading abroad or any souvenirs when returning home), on which the
travelers must pay duties.
The international traveler can expect to complete a lot of paperwork
and wait in a lot of lines while traveling abroad, but the prepared
traveler will experience the least hassle during the process.