Moving Overseas? Here Are The Most Important Documents Needed To Travel Abroad

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS, WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO FLY IN 2020?

As Americans, we often forget that we have to bring some type of document for traveling overseas. The perk of living in a country with everything from beautiful sunny beaches and mountains to deserts is that you can spend a lifetime exploring it without going too far away. However, those of you who have itchy feet and want to explore remote destinations or even consider moving internationally will have to prepare well for that adventure.

Whether you’re thinking about moving to Dubai, Tokyo, Melbourne, or moving to Canada, you have to keep in mind that each state has its own policy and requirements that you should get familiar with on time. So what forms of ID do you need for international travel will depend on your final destination. In case you’re looking to find a job in Europe, you’ll have to acquire a work permit or visa. So clearly, before you start daydreaming along with those quotes about moving, you should research your destination country’s requirements.

PASSPORT, VISAS, AND OTHER CATEGORIES OF DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO TRAVEL ABROAD

When getting ready for the adventure that is an international moving, ensure that you have all of your necessary papers. Passport should be valid for at least six more months, but this rule might vary, depending on the country you choose to relocate to. If you are applying for a passport for the first time or the one you have is about to expire, visit the US Department of State website for further instructions.

Research if you should have a visa for the country you are relocating to. Also, when you are sure that you should apply for one, don’t wait until the last moment to do it. If you are planning to take your four-wheeler with you overseas, know that you should obtain an international driving permit since many countries don’t recognize US driver’s licenses. Check with the Department of State to ensure you are required to get a new driving card. If you are taking medication, check with the embassy, if you should have a license to carry them. Some prescriptions that are legal in the US might not be in other parts of the world.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VISA AND PASSPORT

Many get confused about this topic, but it is actually pretty simple. A passport is a book-like document, issued by your country, that serves to verify your identity and residency during travels. It needs to be shown when entering and exiting a foreign country, and it is usually stamped.

On the other hand, a visa is a type of document that serves to give someone permission to stay in a certain country for a while. The most common type is a tourist one, which comes in the form of a stamp or a sticker, but there are also work, family, immigrant visas, and so on.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED FOR TRAVELING TO EUROPE?

US citizens can spend up to 90 days in some of the 26 countries of the Schengen zone without applying for a visa. However, if you are a US resident with a different nationality, you might have to get a visa, depending on your nationality.  So, as a US citizen, you should have a valid passport, proof of enough financial means to cover for your stay, and evidence of why you’re coming to the Schengen area.

GETTING OR RENEWING YOUR PASSPORT BEFORE TRAVELING ABROAD

A US passport is valid for ten years, but if you don’t use it so frequently, you can easily overlook the fact that the expiring date is in a few weeks or months. Also, the expiration date is double the shorter for kids under the age of 16, so keep that in mind as well. If you realized last minute that you need a brand new document in less than six weeks, you might have to pay an additional fee.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I LOSE DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL WHILE OVERSEAS?

Whether you lost or someone stole that precious document from you, you shouldn’t let that ruin your trip, because not everything is lost. You will still be able to come back home. Here are the things you should do in case of such an emergency:

• Immediately call the nearest US consulate or embassy to report a lost or stolen document
• If someone stole it from you, file a police report
• Have some sort of identification and proof of citizenship
• Expect to pay a fee, even though you’ll only get a temporary document that should be replaced for a regular one as soon as you’re back in the US.

WHAT DO I NEED FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL WITH KIDS

If you are not moving abroad alone, but with your kids, there will be double the paperwork to think about. Ensure that your kids have their passports and visas ready. Children under the age of 16 can have passports that are valid for five years. If you are the one that is moving with kids, but your partner is staying behind, you should obtain consent for a trip with minors. The consent document should contain:

• The child’s contact
• An ID card with both parents’ contact information
• An ID card of the person who the minor is traveling with or their arrangement
• The child’s address.

Furthermore, a parent on a trip with kids should have proof of their relationship. You can take care of this by bringing a birth certificate, a court order, or adoption papers. One of the useful tips, when you travel, is that when you finally collect all of these, ensure that you make a few copies, and keep them separated. In case you lose passports or an ID card, you will have a copy to prove your identity.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO TRAVEL TO ANOTHER COUNTRY WITH PETS

If your pet is also your best friend, you certainly won’t leave it behind if you’re moving overseas. So if you’re planning on relocating with pets overseas, ensure that besides finding a home close to some great parks, you also get informed on what paperwork is necessary when moving with a dog or relocating with a cat internationally.

PAY A VISIT TO YOUR VET

Also, don’t forget to check your airline’s requirements for transporting pets, because they tend to differ from one company. You should also consult with your local vet because your pet will have to get an ISO microchip and a three-year rabies vaccine at least three weeks before the trip. Some European countries have specific requirements, such as Norway, so carefully research each country’s terms.

INSURANCE INFORMATION

Picking up your life and relocating across the world can be risky. Think about valuable items you are moving by air or shipping by the sea – would you want them insured? Maybe you are relocating your car? Having a policy will give you peace of mind when moving companies are handling your items. Insurance should not be only for your belongings. Look into all the options that are available to you.

DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR INSURING YOURSELF

First and foremost, obtain life insurance. If you have this policy before the trip, all you should do is keep your US bank account, and the company will draw a premium from it. Just to be sure, read the contract thoroughly and get familiar with events and countries that might be excluded.

If you are getting a new policy, disclose the new location, nature of your move, and your stay’s time frame. Insurance companies will provide you with the best rates possible. Disability insurance mostly comes through work, so you will be covered if you are working at the same company overseas.

Having international health insurance is vital if you are going to a place that does not have adequate medical care. You should also obtain it if you are already sick. Auto and personal property insurances are especially crucial during the overseas move. You would not want to be left with a damaged car or without compensation for the lost or broken items.

TRAVELING-RELATED TIPS

The adventure that is moving across the world comes with a lot of research and preparation. Check with your agents, airline company, and government officials to find information about the same paperwork you require. Keep your papers stacked in one case, and copies in another, and feel free to create a moving abroad checklist or some sort of an inventory list to help you stay organized. It would be really bothersome if you were looking for each paper in a different place. Preparation is key to a stress-free and successful move. So, don’t hesitate, start reading and researching.

TIPS FOR PACKING YOUR LIFE AND MOVING OVERSEAS

You probably don’t know where to start packing for a move or even what to pack when moving abroad if living overseas is something you never experienced before. And we totally understand. Sure, you’ll pack jewelry, but do you really have to pack all those shoes, and are you seriously considering long-distance shipping house plants? This is an excellent opportunity for decluttering, but let’s look at some pro packing tips that should help you.

VACCINATION BEFORE THE TRIP

Before you move, visit your doctor and do a checkup. It will ease your mind knowing that you are healthy. While you are there, ask for a copy of your medical record. You should bring it with you just in case. Ask what vaccines you or your kids should get to enter your new destination. China recommends vaccination for malaria, while Argentina advises its new citizens and visitors to receive a Yellow Fever vaccine. The United States Department of State offers you details about your new home.

ONE LAST STEP: READ ARTICLES AND LEARN ABOUT YOUR NEW HOME TO GET CONNECTED

Remember, different countries, different laws, and regulations. Before you move and make yourself at home, get familiar with the specifics of the state you are traveling to. You should think about different traffic regulations, tips for learning a new language, and schools. Remember, some countries don’t recognize a degree you got in the States. You might have to prove your knowledge of a foreign language if you are relocating because of the job opportunities and research business ethics every country has. You can do this by reading business articles, magazines, or blogs. Gather as much information as possible before you leave the United States because adjusting to a new country can be a bumpy ride. Try to make new friendships as soon as possible, but don’t forget to keep in touch with old friends.

PICKING THE RIGHT INTERNATIONAL MOVING COMPANY

Having reliable assistance when you are moving across the world is a must. That is why you should dedicate your time to finding a first-class international moving company. Read through the reviews of previous users, and see how they are satisfied with the service. Nothing speaks better about the company than successfully executed moves. Let’s be honest; boxing up your life will be tricky.

That is why you should look for an overseas moving company that offers packing services and provides you with the best packing supplies. And depending on the number of belongings you are planning on taking with you, you might use a storage service as well. Also, don’t forget about overseas vehicle shipping, because who would want to be in a new country without their favorite four-wheeler? When you are finally satisfied with your choice, pick up a phone and call the best company out there to book your overseas shipping company.