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1 Traveler Guidance (PDF)    
2 Check U.S. Department of State travel warnings ASAP

You don't want to end up cutting your travel short due to unforeseen security problems! There may also be cases in which State Travel Warnings don't apply (e.g. if you don't intent to travel to sites within a country that are of concern).

3 Visas and Passports *ASAP

Some countries allow visas to be purchases at airport, but do not wait to find out! Passports may take weeks or months to renew.

*Check deadlines and expiration dates for visas and your passport

4 Check CDC travel advisories 1 month prior to travel CDC provides country-specific travel notices
5

Travel Immunizations

4-6 weeks prior to travel There are several international health clinics which you can visit. Consider starting an official WHO Immunization record to keep track of your shots. This is a good time to get a physical, dental, and vision exam if you haven't had one in a while. Counseling fees may be expensive and may not be covered by insurance, but check for CDC country-specific recommendations.
6 Prophylaxis

4-6 weeks prior to travel

Be aware, if you are visiting multiple countries travelers arriving from countries where diseases such as yellow fever is present may be required to present proof of vaccination to that disease at the next destination country.
7 Health maintenance, medications 4-6 weeks prior to travel Some drugs available by prescription in the US are illegal in other countries. Check the US Department of State Consular Information Sheets for the country(s) you intend to visit or the embassy or consulate for that country(s). If your medication is not allowed in the country you will be visiting, ask your health-care provider to write a letter on office stationery stating the medication has been prescribed for you.
8 International Services Card (PDF) (critical) 1 month prior to travel Should already be covered through your U of A health insurance as long as you are not traveling while on leave of absence. If you do not have U of A medical insurance check with your own insurance company.
9 Familiarize yourself with the country’s conditions and laws 1 month prior to travel Import and Export restrictions (if planning to bring med supplies/equipment)  also listed on US Dept website. Jot down the US embassy contact in the country that you are visiting in case of emergencies such as a lost passport or crime.
10 Emergency Contact information (PDF) 1 month prior to travel Complete the online form to provide David Beyda, MD, any contact information that you have so that you may be contacted in case of emergency and assistance may be provided. Make sure to update the Program Contact office if you have any changes to emergency contact information (PDF) prior to your travel.
11 Register your travel with U.S. State Department 1 week prior to travel In case of emergencies (victim of crime/ accident/ illness, family emergency at home. This provides the US embassy important information to assist you. It is free, you will need passport #, date/place of issue, expiration.
12

Identify on-site medical assistance

1 week prior to travel Feel secure to knowing where you may receive medical care in the country our in a nearby country.
13 International travel insurance 1 week prior to travel  
14 Travel kit 1 week prior to travel First aid kit – bandages, disinfectant, thermometer, as well as non-prescription items such as NSAIDs, Pepto Bismol, sun screen, insect repellent, and water purification tablets
15 General tips for protecting your privacy when you travel Anytime