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International travel checklist: what to sort before you fly
Before an international trip, check your passport and visa rules, sort travel insurance, plan your money and your phone data, pack a plug adapter and keep your medication in your carry-on. Entry rules differ by country, so check the official government source for your destination. Here's the checklist.
Check your passport
Some countries require your passport to be valid for months after your trip ends.
How to do it: Check your destination's entry rules on an official government site. In the US, see travel.state.gov.
Check visa and entry rules
Some destinations need a visa or an online travel authorization before you arrive.
How to do it: Apply early, and only through the official government website.
Travel insurance
Can cover medical care and changes to your trip, depending on the policy.
How to do it: Read what's covered before you buy, and carry the policy details.
Money and cards
A card that works abroad, a backup card and some local cash.
How to do it: Check foreign transaction fees, and tell your bank you're traveling if it asks you to.
Phone and data
Roaming, a local SIM card or an eSIM.
How to do it: Check your plan before you leave so you have maps and messages when you land.
Plug adapter and power bank
Plug types differ between countries.
How to do it: Pack an adapter for your destination, and keep power banks in your carry-on.
Medication
Your personal medication, in its original packaging, with enough for the whole trip.
How to do it: Some medicines are restricted in other countries. Check the rules for your destination before you go.
Copies of documents
A photo of your passport, insurance and bookings.
How to do it: Save copies somewhere you can reach without the originals.
Pack for the weather there
The season and temperatures at your destination may be very different from home.
How to do it: Check the forecast for your dates a few days before you leave. What to pack for rain
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How to do it: Packd's list starts with a documents section and counts clothes for your days. Get my packing list
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Questions
What should I do before traveling internationally?
Check your passport and visa rules, sort travel insurance, plan cards, cash and phone data, pack an adapter, and keep medication and documents in your carry-on.
How long does my passport need to be valid?
It depends on the country. Some require several months of validity beyond your travel dates, so check the official entry rules for your destination.
What documents should I bring on an international trip?
Your passport, any visa or travel authorization, tickets, hotel confirmation, travel insurance details and copies of the important ones.
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Updated October 12, 2026