• Passports are the most critical form of international identification. ... Passport Services & Information
• Additional travel visas are required in some countries. ... Foreign entry requirements - by country.
• Many post offices and local government offices accept passport applications. ... Find your closest facility - zip code search.
• Once obtained, make two copies of your passport identification page to ease the replacement process if a passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other separately from your passport.
• Be sure to fill in the emergency information page of your passport before leaving the U.S.

• Consular Information Sheets are available for every country of the world and describe entry requirements, currency regulations, and other special information.
• Review Country Background Notes for additional facts about the geography, culture, government, history, political climate, economy, and international relations of a foreign country. 
• Keep with you the addresses and emergency telephone numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates where you are traveling. Directory of U.S. embassies and consulates

• Many health plans including Medicare and Medicaid do not provide payment for medical care outside the U.S., so it might be necessary to purchase a short-term health and emergency assistance policy designed for travelers.
• Travelers with a preexisting medical problem should carry a letter from their doctor describing the medical condition and required medications.
• Leave medications in original containers and be certain they are not considered illegal narcotics in the country to which you are traveling.
• Some countries require foreign visitors to have inoculations or medical tests before entering.

• Find out if your homeowners or renters insurance policies cover you for loss or theft abroad.
• Contact your auto insurance company if planning to drive in another country. Generally, U.S. auto insurance does not cover you abroad except in neighboring Canada or Mexico, however even if your policy is valid in one of those countries, it still may not meet that country’s minimum liability requirements. More Auto Insurance information.

• Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver’s license.
• However, most countries accept an international driver’s permit (IDP). More information about International Driver's Permits.
• The State Department has authorized two organizations to issue IDPs to those with valid U.S. driver’s licenses: The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.

• The U.S. Constitution does not accompany you on your trip. While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
• Good learning resources are travel agencies and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of destination countries.
• Approximately one-third of the 3,000 Americans arrested abroad each year are due to drug possession. 
• Do not accept or even hold packages from strangers.
• Beware that some countries are particularly sensitive about photographs and could confiscate cameras and film of those photographing police and military installations or industrial structures.
• If you are the victim of a crime overseas, contact the nearest U.S. embassy, consulate, or consular agency for assistance and contact local police to report the incident and obtain immediate help with safety concerns. Request a copy of the police report.

• Always avoid the appearance of affluence when traveling abroad. Expensive jewelry or an upscale wardrobe often makes the American tourist a favorite target of local thieves.
• Travel light and carry a minimum amount of valuables.
• It’s safest to conceal passport, money, and other valuables in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch.
• Handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are typical targets for thieves.
• Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are safer. Carrying valuables in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing is probably best.
• Keep eyeglasses and medicines you need in carry-on luggage.
• Leave behind unnecessary credit cards, Social Security card, library and retail cards, and other similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.

Shopping - Avoid the risk of violating local laws by dealing only with authorized agents when exchanging money and when purchasing art or antique souvenirs.

• Local banks usually offer better rates of exchange than hotels, restaurants, or stores.
• In general, use caution with street vendors.
• Don’t buy wildlife or wildlife products unless you are certain that they are legal for import into the United States.
• Beware of possible lead poisoning risks when purchasing glazed ceramics abroad.
• Also, some countries consider antiques to be national treasures and seize illegally purchased antiques (or even reproductions) without compensation while also levying fines on the purchaser. Americans have been arrested and prosecuted for purchasing antiques without a permit.
• Keep all receipts for items bought overseas for use in the Customs declaration process upon returning to the U.S.

Register – Travel registration is a free service to record information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the State Department can locate and assist you in an emergency.

• Register with the embassies in the countries to which you are traveling. More information about registering with embassies. 
• Millions of Americans travel abroad every year and encounter no difficulties. However, U.S. embassies and consulates assist nearly 200,000 Americans each year who are victims of crime, accident, or illness, or whose family and friends need to contact them in an emergency.