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Travelers have needed
various documents to travel. Whether you are visiting the U.S. or an
American citizen traveling abroad, it is vital to have all your papers in
order.
> Passports & Visas: For a
new passport application or renewal, contact the nearest Passport Agency or
a U.S. Post Office that accepts passport applications. Visas are available
from the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting or from a
"visa service" which will get your visa processed for a fee. Apply for your
travel documents in advance to avoid delays! For more
information, check the
U.S. Department of State, Travel Information website.
> Your passport is your
most valuable travel document when you are in a foreign country. Keep a copy
of your passport number in a safe, separate place and immediately report the
loss or theft of your passport or visa to the U.S. embassy or consulate and
the local police authorities. Make copies of your passport, traveler's
checks, credit cards, itinerary, airline tickets and other travel documents.
Leave one copy with a relative or friend back home and carry one copy with
you.
> Be sure your
passport is signed and fill in the emergency information page of your
passport. Check the expiration date. Many countries require that it be
valid for six months after your return date. You can find out a country's
entry requirements by going to
travel.state.gov and clicking
"Travel Information by Country."
> Certain countries may
require an "International Certificate of Vaccinations" against cholera,
yellow fever and other infectious diseases before you are allowed to enter.
You can check with Centers for Disease Control:
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx
for up-to-date information on epidemics or unsafe conditions in your planned
destination. | 
