The year was 2019, my international travel dreams were about to come true. Plans were afoot to travel to the motherland, Africa. I would be setting my feet in the countries of Senegal and Ghana. My mind went back to talking to my cousin Lauren about going to Africa someday, before or after she married Michael Jackson. I don’t believe we determined where, but we were going. Later, the artistic/creative side of me knew that going to Senegal was a must. Conversations with people who traveled to the continent could not recommend Ghana enough. When a trip was planned that encompassed both places, I raised both my hands and feet. It was not until May 2020, that the pin pierced my balloon. Oh, the humanity, the trip of a lifetime was a no-go! I still want to go to both countries but for now, the trip is in the postponement zone.
I thought that since I already obtained my passport to go to Bermuda a few years prior, I only needed to be concerned about what to pack and the adventure that awaited our group. After a few meetings with experienced international travelers, I became enlightened about my naïveté. Packing is important but some documents and processes are essential before checking one’s baggage.
In general, Murphy’s Law can manifest if you stay in the States or travel abroad. Flying by the seat of your pants is not wise when you venture into places where you may or may not be beloved. Research about international is warranted to save time and money and to prevent surprises, and undue frustration.
One Stop Virtual Shop
Travel.State.Gov, U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS has a wealth of information about international travel documents and procedures. Applications for the first time or renewal of passports can be found here. There is also a list of monthly Special Passport Acceptance Fairs offered monthly in New Jersey, California, Florida, and Indiana. The Acceptance Facility Search Tool is another way to find out where to go to apply for a passport. This link takes you to your local post office once you type in your zip code. Forms needed, regular and expedited fees, and a video of how to imply in person can also be found on this website.
| Routine | 10 to 13 weeks |
| Expedited | 7 to 9 weeks |
| Expedited at Agency | Must have international travel within 14 calendar days |
The processing times do not include mailing time. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after we print it.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This program is another offering of travel.state.gov.
Benefits of enrolling in STEP:
- You’ll receive the latest safety and security information for your destination country, so you can make informed decisions about your travel.
- The information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.
There are three options on the website: enroll a trip, get travel advisories, and create an account. Subscribing and unsubscribing are relatively easy. Enrolling a trip will provide you not only with Travel Advisories but also specific, local safety and security information directly from the Embassy.
Visa, How To Get Where You Want To Be
The credit card Visa’s slogan is “Everywhere you want to be”. But without the proper visa for the foreign destination you wish to visit, you can’t be where you want to be. In the article, 17 Steps to Take Before Your Next Trip – An International Travel Checklist, Laura Longwell of traveladdicts.net recommends “checking visa requirements well before your trip, possibly even before you book. Some countries require visas to enter the country depending on the origin of your passport”. As of Feb 3, 2023, a Google search revealed Americans can travel to most European, Caribbean, and Central and South American countries without a visa, along with many other popular tourism destinations. Countries that U.S. passport holders need visas to enter include Russia, India, China, Vietnam, Turkey, and more, and others require e-visas to visit.
Insurance: Don’t Leave Home Without It
Insurance is one of the 17 Steps to Take Before Your Next Trip – An International Travel Checklist. “If your existing insurance doesn’t cover you and your possessions overseas or there’s a chance your plans may change, consider travel insurance. From health insurance to trip cancellation, different types of travel insurance policies have varying coverage and prices to meet your needs. Travel insurance may not always be necessary but it’s generally better to be protected,” mentions Longwell. The website travelguard.com provides plans, resources, and destinations. Information about Medical Evacuation, Travel health, and Travel Cancellation Insurance can also be found on travel.state.gov. I have heard horror stories about people getting sick traveling in the U. S. of A. Thinking about this happening in a place where you literally and figuratively don’t speak the same language is frightening. In my opinion, it is better to have it and not need it.
Shot In The Arm
Travel immunizations–either booster shots for vaccines you’ve already received or new immunizations altogether may be necessary before going to your destination. The CDC travel website lists countries and their required and recommended immunizations. Longwell advises travelers to go to a pharmacy or clinic that specializes in travel vaccines because they can help you uncover potential issues you may not be aware of. “If you are traveling between countries on the same continent, certain vaccines may also be required. Depending on your insurance, certain immunizations may or may not be covered, so you’ll have to make your own decisions about what risks you’re willing to take. Also, be aware that some vaccines are administered in a series over some time, so plan ahead. It’s one of the most important things to do before traveling abroad.”
There are other ways to prepare for international travel that will be covered in future posts. This post may help you to begin counting the costs involved with getting passport stamps. If you are a seasoned international traveler what can you add to the travel equation? Share in the comments.