Passport to Smooth Travels: Essential International Travel Checklist for the Holiday Season
As the travel holiday season begins, clients are reminded of the following precautions to ensure a smooth travel experience during this busy travel time.
Be Aware of Changes to U.S. Visa Appointment Websites.
In the past few months, several U.S. Consulates have transitioned to new visa appointment websites. Visa applicants should check the following visa websites when scheduling visa appointments:
Verify Passport Validity.
When traveling abroad, be certain that passports are valid for at least six months beyond the expiration of any period of admission. Certain countries have agreements with the U.S. government that permit passport validity to extend six months beyond the document’s expiration date.
Verify Visa Validity.
Visas must be valid and reflect current nonimmigrant status, be unexpired, and valid for the number of entries, if limited. If one must obtain a new visa for purposes of their return to the U.S., it is best to check consular appointments and processing times in advance of any U.S. departure.
Applicants with pending adjustment of status applications should verify their ability to travel with nonimmigrant visas and assure that their applications for adjustment of status will not be jeopardized or inconsistent with a nonimmigrant visa entry.
Verify I-94 Form and Admission Validity.
The I-94 document may be downloaded after admission and return to the U.S. I-94 documents might be limited to the expiration date on one’s passport, so it is best to assure that all travel documents are valid both prior to departure and return to the U. S. The I-94 document may be downloaded here.
Enroll in U.S. State Department’s STEP Program.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program allows individuals to receive health and security alerts while they are abroad and allows the U.S. State Department to contact enrolled U.S. citizens and foreign nationals in case of an emergency. Individuals may enroll in the Smart Traveler Program at this link on the Department of State website.
Don’t Turn Holiday Travel Upside Down: Plan Now to Avoid Unwelcome Surprises.
In sum, to ensure safe international travel and mitigate interruption to holiday plans, please check all guidance and documents before departure and prior to planned return to the U.S.
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