International Travel 101:

Did you know you don’t need a passport to go to Puerto Rico but you can’t get into Brazil without a visa? Don’t be caught off guard on your first international flight. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.

• Passport: If you are flying outside of the United States to anywhere other than U.S Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico you will need a valid passport. U.S. citizens can drive into Canada without a passport but will need an enhanced driver’s license or a passport card

• Visa: Depending on the country you will be visiting and the duration, you may need a visa to travel. U.S citizens can travel to 174 countries without a visa or by obtaining a visa upon arrival. Countries U.S. citizens need visas for are: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Brazil, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Ghana, Guinea, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.

• In-Flight Form: Majority of counties require that you fill out an arrival form on the plane. Keep your passport out and be ready to fill out information about where you will be staying, purpose of your visit, and duration. Immigration officers will collect this form when you go through immigration.

• Arrival: International arrival takes longer than domestic arrival because you will go through immigration where they will look at your arrival card and passport. They will tear your arrival card and in return give you your departure card. In countries like Mexico, make sure to keep track of your departure card because if lost you will pay a $50 fine. You will collect your bags then go through customs. Customs is to ensure you are not bringing any banned substances into the country.

• Luggage: Unlike domestic flights where you are charged to check luggage, most all international flights allow two free checked bags. Budget airline may be an exception, double check your airline’s luggage policy. If you plan to carry-on your luggage be mindful that the allowed international carry-on bag size is 9 by – 14 by – 22 inches. If you have a connecting flight and your layover is more than 6 hours within the United States, you will be required to re-check your bag with the next airline. If you have an international layover, your bags will be checked all the way through. 

• Multimedia: Movies, music, and television are provided on international flights. Flight attendants will also hand out headphones at the beginning of your flight.

• Culture: Depending on where you are traveling, your cultural experience may begin before you land. I remember seeing Muslim men praying in the back of the plane when I flew to Dubai, something you might not see on a flight from LAX to SFO. Your in-flight meal may also reflect the destination you are traveling to, for instance when I was traveling to India we were served samosas and paneer. Be mindful and respectful of the culture at your destination. If you have dietary request make sure to arrange during the booking process. 

• Departure: You will go through immigration where they will collect your departure card prior to you boarding your flight. You will fill out an arrival card to reenter the United States.  You will need to state where you were and declare what you are bringing back into the United States. Do not risk trying to bring banned products back to the United States, it’s not worth it.