Below are a collection of resources U.S. Citizens may find helpful prior to and during their business or leisure travel.
Travel documentation and up-to-date travel and entry requirements by Sherpa
Be REAL ID Ready by May 7, 2025 - Learn More
If your trip requires a passport, it must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date. If you do not already have a passport, or if yours will expire prior to the required time period indicated above, you should begin the procedure for obtaining or renewing one as soon as possible. Visit the U.S. Department of State's Website for more information and assistance.
Always remember to keep your passport with you at all times—never pack it in your suitcase. You will need it at check-in for international flights as well as other situations such as identification when cashing travelers cheques and at hotel reception desks.
It is always a good idea to carry a photocopy of the data page of your passport that has your photograph, along with a spare passport photograph. In the unlikely event that you lose your passport, these can be used as proof of identity and speed the process of obtaining a replacement. Keep these duplicates in a place separate from your passport.
A visa is a permit from a foreign government for you to enter their country. It is issued as a separate card or stamped entry in your passport by that country’s Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. Visas can take several weeks to obtain. Most countries do not require a visa for American citizens. If you are required to have a visa, it will be noted in your brochure and Travelink will send you forms and information at the appropriate time.
You must already have a passport before you can obtain a visa. Costs of the visa and the processing fees are generally not included in your tour price. For more information visit the U.S. Department of State's Website which provides information on every country in the world whether you need a visa, crime and security information, health and medical conditions, drug penalties, or localized hot spots.
For complete passport, visa, and immigration information and service, please visit CIBTvisas.
Travelink recommends Allianz Travel Protection to protect your vacation dollars and travel experience from the unexpected. Ask your Travel Advisor or visit our Allianz Travel Protection page for more information.
Selecting travel protection is the easiest way to keep you and your budget safe.
US State Department
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
STEP - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
Travelink App
TripCase
Google Translate
SeatGuru
iFly
The Weather Channel
Traveling East
Traveling West
What you pack depends more on the season than on any particular dress code. Casual, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are the order of the day. Don’t buy everything new for the trip — worn and washed is better. Jeans are acceptable for sightseeing and informal dining. Certain religious sites will not accept shorts or sleeveless tops. Plan layered outfits to accommodate temperature changes, i.e., cool mornings and evenings and warm days. If you are going to a hot destination, include a hat and sunscreen.
Couples should split suitcases in two and pack clothes for both in each. If a suitcase is delayed en route, then no one is left without clothes. Always put documents, medications, travelers cheques, keys, reading material, and other valuables in your carry-on luggage.
Reminder: Take half as many clothes as you think you will need and twice as much money. Pack less and enjoy more! See more travel tips and tricks on our Enroute Blog.