Travel Requirements & Important Government Resources

Before You Travel

Final Travel Preparation & Compliance Checklist

Most travel disruptions are not caused by airlines.
They are caused by overlooked documentation, incomplete forms, or missed compliance requirements.

Before departure, review the checklist below carefully. These final confirmations prevent the majority of last-minute stress at airport security, check-in counters, and international borders.

1. Confirm Passport Validity Requirements

Many countries require that your passport:

• Be valid at least 6 months beyond your return date

• Have at least one or two blank pages available

• Be free of significant damage

Airlines are required to verify entry compliance before boarding.
If your passport does not meet destination requirements, you may be denied boarding — even if your flight is domestic-to-international.

👉 Official passport information:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

2. Confirm REAL ID or Approved Identification (Domestic Travel)

Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-approved form of identification to board domestic flights.

Acceptable alternatives include:

• U.S. Passport

• U.S. Passport Card

• Global Entry / Trusted Traveler card

• Military ID

If you do not have compliant identification, TSA may require identity verification processing at the airport, which can result in delays and potential additional fees.

👉 REAL ID information:
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

3. Review Destination Entry & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements vary by country and change periodically.

Before departure, confirm:

• Visa requirements (if applicable)

• Entry forms or pre-arrival registration

• Proof of onward travel

• Minimum stay validity rules

• Health documentation requirements

👉 U.S. Visa & Entry Information:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html

👉 Country-Specific Travel Advisories:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

4. Check Health & Vaccination Requirement

Some destinations require:

• Vaccination certificates

• Yellow fever documentation

• Entry health forms

• Proof of medical coverage

Requirements can shift based on global health conditions.

👉 CDC Travel Health Notices:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Even if vaccines are not required, it is wise to review destination-specific health recommendations prior to travel.

Prescription & Restricted Medication Regulations

Medication laws vary significantly by country and are enforced at the border.

5. Prescription & Restricted Medication Regulations

Medications that are legal in the United States may be restricted or prohibited in other countries.

This includes:

• Controlled substances

• Narcotic medications

• ADHD medications

• Medical marijuana

• THC or cannabis products

• Certain CBD products

• Sleep aids and anti-anxiety medications

Important to Understand:

Carrying cannabis products across international borders — even between locations where it is legal locally — may violate federal law and the laws of the destination country.

Penalties in some countries may include:

• Confiscation

• Fines

• Arrest or detention

Before Travel, Confirm

• Whether your medication is permitted in your destination

• If documentation or physician letters are required

• If quantity limits apply

• If medication must remain in original labeled packaging

For destination-specific restrictions, review official embassy guidance:

👉 U.S. Embassy Locator
https://www.usembassy.gov

👉 Country Travel Advisories
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Airline Baggage Policies & Carry-On Rules

9. Airline Baggage Policies & Carry-On Rules

Airline baggage policies are enforced by the carrier — not TSA and not border control.
Rules vary by airline, aircraft type, and whether your flight is domestic or international.

Before departure, confirm the following directly with your airline::

• Carry-on limits

• International weight enforcement

• International weight enforcement (often stricter than domestic routes)3-1-1 liquids rule

• Oversize or specialty item rules (wedding attire, décor, sports equipment, medical devices)

• Link to TSA liquids rule

• Battery & Lithium Guidelines
  

Because airlines interpret and enforce rules differently — especially around battery limits, carry-on size, and specialty items — always review your specific airline’s baggage policy before departure for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.

Know what each airline allows — and how TSA and FAA rules affect what you pack and carry-on.

Why This Matters:

International flights frequently enforce baggage weight limits more strictly than domestic routes. Even a few pounds over the limit may result in gate fees, required repacking, or mandatory checked baggage.

The TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule also applies to all U.S. departing flights:

• Liquids must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less

• All liquids must fit inside one quart-sized bag

• One bag per traveler

If traveling with formal attire, décor, or high-value items, confirm airline policies in advance to avoid last-minute adjustments at the airport.

Airlines are required to enforce their policies at check-in and at the gate.

Airport & Customs Processing Programs

Enrollment in trusted traveler programs can significantly reduce wait times and streamline airport processing.

5. TSA PreCheck®

TSA PreCheck allows approved travelers to use expedited security lanes at participating U.S. airports.

Benefits include:

• Shorter security lines

• No removal of shoes, belts, or light jacketsEntry health forms

• Laptops and compliant liquids remain in your bag

Best for:
Frequent domestic travelers who want a smoother security experience.

Application required through TSA.
👉 https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

6. Global Entry

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits and provides expedited U.S. Customs processing when returning from international travel.

Members use automated kiosks upon re-entry into the United States.

Best for:

Travelers who take international trips more than once per year.

Application and background check required through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
👉 https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

7. Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

Mobile Passport Control is a free app that allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to submit customs information digitally before arrival.

This may reduce wait times at participating airports.

Best for:

Occasional international travelers who do not have Global Entry.

Download via official app stores.
👉 https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control

👉 https://www.clearme.com

Before enrolling in any program, confirm that your home airport and frequently visited destinations participate in the program you select.

Enrollment processing times may vary.

8. CLEAR (Optional Enhancement)

CLEAR is a private biometric identity verification service available at select airports.

It allows members to verify identity quickly and move directly to the physical security screening area.

Note: CLEAR does not replace TSA PreCheck. Many travelers use both services together.

Best for:

Frequent travelers departing from major U.S. airports

International Safety & Government Resources

Registering your trip with the U.S. government provides an added layer of communication and emergency support while traveling internationally.

11. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP):

Registering your trip with the U.S. government provides an added layer of communication and emergency support while traveling internationally.

What Is STEP?:

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service offered by the U.S. Department of State that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to register their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

When you enroll, you receive:

• Destination-specific safety updates

• Travel advisory notifications

• Security alerts

• Emergency communication from the U.S. Embassy

Why This Matters:

While most trips proceed without issue, unexpected events can occur:

• Natural disasters

• Civil unrest

• Political disruptions

• Health emergencies

• Travel infrastructure closures

Enrollment in STEP allows the U.S. Embassy to contact you quickly if conditions change in your destination. It also makes it easier for family members to reach you in the event of an emergency.

Who Should Enroll?

STEP is recommended for::

• International travelers

• Destination wedding groups traveling abroad

• Group celebrations outside the United States

• Extended stays (more than a few days)

• Travelers visiting regions with elevated advisory levels

  There is no cost to enroll.

👉 Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
https://step.state.gov

Advisory Note

Enrollment is optional but strongly encouraged for international travel.

It does not replace travel insurance and does not provide evacuation coverage. It is a communication and safety notification system only.

U.S. Customs & Duty Regulations (Returning to the U.S.)

Customs regulations apply when re-entering the United States from international travel.

10. U.S. Customs & Duty Regulations (Returning to the United States)

Customs regulations apply when re-entering the United States after international travel.

All travelers are required to declare:

• Purchases made abroad

• Gifts received

• Alcohol and tobacco

• Food and agricultural products

• High-value luxury items

Why This Matters:

Failure to declare items — even unintentionally — can result in fines or confiscation.

Duty-free allowances depend on:

• Length of travel

• Destination country

• Total value of goods

Most travelers returning from international travel are allowed to bring back a limited value of goods duty-free, but limits vary.

Agricultural products, fresh food, and certain plant items are heavily restricted due to U.S. biosecurity regulations.

👉 U.S. Customs & Border Protection – Know Before You Go:
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/kbyg/customs-duty-info

If returning with high-value purchases (jewelry, handbags, electronics), retain receipts and be prepared to declare appropriately.

Preparation at re-entry reduces delays and avoids preventable penalties.