INTL101: Passports & Visas Oh My!

Even though I have a U.S. passport, that won't gain me entry to anywhere I choose. Each country has it's own entry requirements and you must know them before you travel. For example, U.S. citizens traveling to Australia must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) one month before you travel, China requires a visa that can only be obtained via the Chinese Embassy, and Japan allows anyone to visit for 90 days without prior authorization. How does one keep track of all these requirements? A great travel resource is the website for the United States State Department. Here you will find international entry and exit requirements, travel advisories, information on terrorist activity, and a history of the relationship the U.S. has had with that nation. It is also full of information you need to know to avoid an unintended legal problem with a foreign nation. For example, it says that in China, taking photos of military buildings is grounds for arrest. Additionally, many nations will not allow you to enter or exit if your passport is set to expire within 6 months, even if your return trip is within that window. So, before you go, check out www.state.gov for important info.

INTL 101: Identification

These days, no matter where you go out side the continuous 48 states, you will most likely need a passport. Almost all cruises now require them, and even Canada too. One of the worst things that can happen to you on your trip is to have your passport lost or stolen. To prevent being stuck in a foreign country because you lost your ID and have to hang out at the U.S. Embassy for days, follow this tip...

Photocopy your passport and keep copies in several places like your purse, suitcase, and with a friend back home. This way, you have some identification to facilitate the process of getting your ID back in case of the worst. If possible, leave your passport in your hotel safe during the day and carry only the copy. Another option is to take a photo of the passport with your digital camera and keep digital copies (as well as paper copies) in your email or some other online service that you can get to from anywhere in the world. You can even take a photo with your camera phone as long as the camera is good enough to make the text on your passport clear and readable. If your camera phone doesn't take excellent photos (mine doesn't), you can always sync the photo from your computer to your phone or email it to your phone, depending on your phone's capabilities. Bottom line- don't leave home without copies of your passport!