International Travel Checklist for US Travelers

Updated November 12, 2026 · By the RoamPlanned team

Use this checklist in the weeks before an international trip. Requirements change, so always confirm with official sources, starting with the US State Department's travel site.

6–3 months before

• Passport: check the expiration date. Many countries require validity for some months beyond your stay. Routine renewals can take weeks, so start early.
• Entry authorizations: some destinations require online approval before you fly, for example the UK's ETA. Apply only through official government websites.
• Book timed attractions: popular sights in Rome, Paris, Hawaii and Banff sell out.

1 month before

• Travel insurance: consider coverage for trip cancellation, medical care and evacuation. US health plans often don't cover you abroad.
• Health: review the CDC's destination page for recommended vaccines and health notices.
• STEP: enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive safety alerts.
• Driving: some countries require an International Driving Permit alongside your US license.

1–2 weeks before

• Money: bring a card without foreign transaction fees and a backup card; notify your bank if required. When paying by card abroad, choose to pay in local currency.
• Phone: check your carrier's international plan or buy an eSIM for your destination.
• Copies: save digital copies of your passport, bookings and insurance in a secure place.
• Adapters: the UK, Europe and Japan use different plugs; Japan uses US-style plugs but different voltage for some devices.

Packing essentials

• Comfortable walking shoes (Lisbon and Rome are hard on feet).
• Reef-safe mineral sunscreen for Hawaii and the Caribbean. Hawaii bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.
• Layers for mountain and summit days, even in summer.
• Modest clothing for churches and temples (shoulders and knees covered).

Day of travel

Arrive early for international flights, keep medications and valuables in your carry-on, and download offline maps of your destination.

Next step: build a day-by-day plan or explore destination guides.