A trip abroad requires careful planning.

The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides information for US citizens travelling abroad, and some of their suggestions are outlined below. Additional information can be found online at travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/checklist.html.

Get informed

Research entry and exit requirements, visas, laws, customs, and available medical care in the countries you will be visiting. This information is available at travel.state.gov/destination. Keep in mind you will be subject to the laws of the country you are visiting.

Notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be travelling, and check local exchange rates. Also check out recommendations for vaccinations and other health considerations from the US Centers for Disease Control at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

Get required documents

Safeguard your documents. Make two copies of all your travel documents in case of emergency. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative at home, and carry the other separately from your original documents. To help prevent theft, do not carry your passport in your back pocket, and keep it separate from your money.

It is a good rule of thumb to ensure that you have at least six months of validity on your passport, or airlines may not let you board your onward flight, due to your destination country’s requirements. Note: Passports issued for children under age 16 are valid for only five years, not 10 years like adult passports. Check passport expiration dates carefully and renew early.

Get enrolled

Enrol for free in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) at STEP.state.gov to receive travel and security updates about your destination, and to help us reach you in an emergency. Groups or organisations can create an account and upload a spreadsheet with contact details for multiple travellers.

If you are on social media, consider following TravelGov or the US embassy of your destination to stay connected with us and get important safety and security messages.

Get insured

• Health insurance: Many foreign medical facilities and providers require cash payment up front and do not accept US insurance plans. This is also true for Jamaica. Medicare does not provide coverage outside of the United States.

Check your US health care policy to see if it will cover you overseas. If not, consider buying supplemental insurance. Make sure the insurance you purchase covers any special medical needs or risks you anticipate on your trip. A list of providers can be found at travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/health/insurance-providers.html.

• Emergency evacuation: Evacuation for medical treatment or to leave a crisis area in another country can cost more than $100,000. Many countries do not have the same standard of medical care as is found in the United States. Evacuation insurance will cover this cost in case of emergency overseas.

• Unexpected expenses: Trip interruption or cancellation, flight delays, lost or stolen luggage, and other unexpected travel costs can add up. Check with your credit card and homeowners insurance companies to see if they provide coverage. If not, consider additional insurance.

Travelling

Each year, hundreds of US citizens face arrest in other countries because they are carrying firearms or ammunition, much of which they could legally possess in the United States. The penalties are severe: Paying steep fines, having the firearms taken away, going to prison, and/or being banned for life from that country.

No one is exempt for violating another country’s gun laws — not members of law enforcement, veterans, or even US military stationed in that country unless specifically covered by a Status of Forces Agreement.

In Jamaica, neither firearms nor ammunition are permitted, and travellers carrying these items are subject to arrest. This includes bullets or shells that have been converted to jewellery or other personal items. We strongly urge you to leave these items at home. For more information go to travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/firearms.html.

For more information about visas, please visit our website jm.usembassy.gov/ and the website of our authorized service provider at www.usvisa-info.com Keep on top of Embassy news on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pages/US-Embassy-Jamaica and by following @USEmbassyJA on Twitter. We also answer general visa questions on our Facebook and Twitter pages.