Wichita State University
International Travel Tips
International Travel Tips
- Complete an International Travel Authorization Form so that WSU will have your contact information in the event of an emergency.
- Keep your cell phone and computer equipment safe by following the tips from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a division of the Department of Homeland Security.
- Check with the embassy or consulate of the countries you will be visiting to see if you will be required to have a visa.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which is a free service that allows U.S. citizens to stay safe and keep informed by registering with the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Make sure your passport has not expired or will not expire within six months of your expected return date to the U.S. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond a traveler's planned return date. In addition, make sure you have plenty of blank visa pages in your passport.
- In the event that your passport gets lost or stolen, make a copy of your passport and any relevant visa pages and store them in a safe place. Consider making scans or taking pictures of the needed passport pages and send them to your email account so you have them, if needed. Never store your passport and the passport copies in the same location.
- Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans. To prevent your card from being used fraudulently, your bank or credit card company may automatically block any usage from outside of the U.S. Notifying your bank or credit card company in advance ensures that your card will work when needed.
- In case your credit card or debit card is lost or stolen, it's a good idea to write down the last four digits of each card number and the customer service telephone number located on the back of the card. IMPORTANT: In general, you cannot call toll-free telephone numbers from outside of the U.S. As such, you should use whatever telephone number that your bank or credit card company provides you for use outside of the U.S. To keep your account safe, never copy or scan your credit/debit cards. Store your bank cards and the customer service contact information in different locations.
- Never rely solely on the use of debit cards or credit cards during your trip. In some countries, card use is much less common than in the U.S. Be sure to have some cash available – especially if your cards are lost or stolen.
- Print a copy of your itinerary and hotel reservations. At some international airports, you may be required to show your itinerary in order to enter the airport check-in area.
- Consider purchasing a travel adapter to use with any electronics that you carry with you. Consider taking a power bank with you since power outlets are not always readily available for travelers.
- Check out exchange rates before you go by visiting websites such as Oanda.com.
- Check to see if you have received all recommended vaccinations for the countries you will be visiting. Some countries require evidence of vaccinations. Check with the embassies of the countries you're visiting to find out their vaccination requirements.
- Pack any prescription medications in your carry-on bags. Make sure that medications are stored in their original prescription bottles and that you carry a copy of the prescription with you in case you're questioned by a customs agent at your port of entry. Please note that some medications prescribed in the U.S. may not be legal in other countries. Visit the International Narcotics Control Board for more information.
- Check with your health insurance provider to see if they will provide coverage outside of the U.S. If not, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy.
- To determine if the water in the country you're visiting is considered safe for drinking, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If the water is not potable, don't use it to brush your teeth or wash fruits and vegetables. Place a hand towel over the faucet to help remind you not to use the tap water.
- Learn more about Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). Students can also visit Student Health Services to obtain more information before departure.
- Avoid the use of narcotics. Drug offenses are punishable by death in at least 35 countries worldwide.
- Educate yourself about the countries you will be visiting. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs including dress standards, photography restrictions, liquor laws, and more.
- Learn how to recognize culture shock and strategies to cope with it.