As a traveler,theState Department websiteis your best friend. No matter were you're going, read up on the latest travel advisories, visa requirements and enroll in the State Department Smart Traveler Program.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
A U.S. PASSPORT IS A STRONG ONE
A U.S. passport gives one access to most places around the world. Give yourself plenty of time to apply for a passport. Make sure it has enough pages if you're going on extended travel. Some countries require an entire passport page for their visas.
KNOW THE REQUIREMENTS
Always research the visa procedures for any country you plan on visiting. Many places are visa free, some allow day of purchase while others require complicated paperwork ahead of visiting. Geopolitical factors can influence the ability to get a visa for certain countries.
Important to remember, a transit visa is different from a normal visa. A transit visa may give you hours, or a few days in a country. Make sure your visa matches your travel plans.
"I walk to the front of the line past intimidating stone-faced soldier. I have to see Bolivia because in my past life, I would not have been able to. To gain entry into the country, I was to produce the following at the Bolivian Embassy in Washington, DC: money order for $160; proof of yellow fever vaccine signed by a doctor; two four-centimeter-by-four-centimeter color passport photos; letter of invitation from a Bolivian local written in Spanish; copy of plane ticket receipt to and from Bolivia; current bank statement; and two color copies of my passport."
The State Department errs on the side of caution with their travel advisories. Sometimes a country gets a declaration that is overly restrictive. Other times, they are spot on. Research the situation on the ground wherever you plan to visit. Also know that like the United States, certain regions or areas are safer than others. Just because a country has some civil strife does not mean it's unsafe to visit. Assess the risk and make wise choices.
No matter were you're going, read up on the latest travel advisories, visa requirements and enroll in the State Department Smart Traveler Program.
Some countries require vaccination records for entry for a diverse array of diseases. Research ahead, especially in the post COVID-19 pandemic world.
Travel insurance is worth getting especially if you're traveling to remote destinations where an airlift could be needed for a medical event.
