International Travel: Travel Preparation

				To ensure preparedness for your travels abroad, the Office of Global Health has created the following Pre-Travel Checklist.  In compliance with UMMS travel policies and guidelines, all UMMS students, residents, post-doctoral fellows, faculty and staff must consult OGH's travel protocols and register online prior to departure. →Access the full UMMS travel policy and all travel forms here.
***Students traveling through International Medical Education, must download and complete instructions in this document (doc).

COMPLETE 90 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:

• Attend a Global Health Pre-Departure Workshop. For scheduling, click here.
• Consult the US State Department’s website for travel advisories and warnings.
• Make sure that your passport is current; if not, renew it now.
• Check whether you need a visa and the entry/exit requirements for your country at the US State Department.
• Consult the CDC website for travel preparation recommendations for your specific destination(s). This website provides comprehensive information about relevant health and travel advice.
• Visit your PCP, a travel clinic or Employee/Student Health AT LEAST THREE MONTHS BEFORE your departure to get necessary vaccinations and medications. If you elect not to take supplies of particular prophylaxes, be sure you know if and where you can get them locally.
• Contact your local mentor to make specific plans for your global health project and to develop emergency and evacuation protocols.
• Visit the Export Control website to find out if you need a license to export any good, service or information

COMPLETE 30 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:

• Register your travel with the Office of Global Health online. (This now includes electronic signature of the Liability Release Form.  You will be prompted to print out UMMS-sponsored AIG international travel insurance information once you complete the online registration.)
• Check whether your personal health care insurance covers emergent medical care and emergency and evacuation assistance in your area of travel. The University provides international travel insurance through AIG WorldRisk Travel Insurance to its students, faculty and staff while on approved travel. An approval number will be issued after registering your travel with the Office of Global Health.
• Plan to get a global cell phone. They can often be purchased at your destination’s airport for a low cost.

COMPLETE 1 WEEK PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:

• Register your travel plans with the State Department online and familiarize yourself with the US Embassy or Consulate in the country you are visiting.
• Continually recheck the State Department website for travel warnings or alerts, and consult with program director and in-country host to confirm arrangements and travel plans.
  
• Make copies of your passport, visas and itineraries to keep as backup and also leave copies with family or friends in the States.
• Find out if your travel destination is a cash economy and if so, make sure you will have adequate access to cash.

Some items to consider bringing:

• Iodine tablets and portable water filters
• Insect repellant with 30-50% DEET and a bed net
• Sunblock and sunglasses
• Medications for diarrhea and constipation. Sugar-free candy with sorbitol can be used as a natural laxative.
• A sufficient supply of medications that you take daily (plan to order in advance with your physician)
• Hygiene and feminine products
• Anti-malarial medications
• Alcohol-based hand gels or wipes