Nearly 25% of American adults intend to travel internationally this summer. While COVID-era travel rules have all but disappeared, there are still regulations to navigate and logistics to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind if your travel plans include an international destination.

Travel Documents

Some international destinations require visas. The United Kingdom, for example, instituted a requirement in January that all American citizens traveling to or transiting through the country obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization prior to travel. You can find visa requirements for other countries on the State Department’s Learn About Your Destination page.

You’ll also want to make sure your passport has sufficient validity. Many countries require three months’ validity past travel dates, while some require six months.

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Travel Insurance

When it comes to medical care, all TRICARE beneficiaries are covered while traveling overseas, although you should always get all routine care and fill prescriptions before you leave.

But what if you get sick and need to extend your stay? You might run up a large hotel bill and have to pay to change your return flight. Or what if your plane is delayed by weather and you have nonrefundable reservations for hotels and excursions?

Or what if you are on a cruise ship or hiking in a remote area and need to be evacuated due to a serious illness or injury? TRICARE covers air evacuation to the “nearest, safest location that can provide the required care,” but that location may not be your hometown, or even within the U.S. And for some TRICARE plans, you will be required to pay for the air evacuation up front and file a claim to get your money back (minus cost shares) later.

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These are all good reasons to consider purchasing some sort of travel insurance plan before you leave home. You should also check to see whether your credit card carries any type of travel insurance. If it does, put at least a portion of your trip on that card. 

Vaccination Requirements

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a Travelers’ Health webpage featuring travel health notices and vaccination requirements.

It’s also a good idea to check travel requirements on an official website of the country you are planning on visiting, as regulations change frequently.

A Good First STEP

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free State Department service allowing you to enroll your overseas trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This lets you receive information from the embassy about safety conditions in your destination country. You’ll also help the embassy (and your family and friends) be able to contact you in an emergency.

Consular officers at embassies and consulates can assist U.S. citizens who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties overseas.