THREE DOCUMENTS TRAVELERS NEED TO HAVE

When traveling overseas, you must have:

(1) Passport. U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to travel overseas. There are some countries that will let you enter with other proof (like a birth certificate) but most require a passport and the U.S. will require it for you to re-enter the country. More and more travelers are opting to enroll in the Global Entry Program, which permits expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers. There is a fee and a bit of a procedure to the application process. www.state.gov

(2) Driver’s license and/or International Driving Permit (IDP). Many countries do not recognize U.S. driver’s licenses. Be sure to find out what you need if you plan to rent a car while overseas. http://www.dmv.org/international-driver-permits.php

(3) Smart Traveler Enrollment Plan (STEP). This isn’t actually a document you carry with you and isn’t required. However, more travelers have chosen the peace of mind that comes with enrolling in this program. Alerts are given to travelers who participate so they are the first to know if there has been a terrorist threat or natural disaster or something else that might affect travel. For more information about how this works, contact the U.S. State Department.  www.state.gov