Plan Ahead Before You Travel
International travel checklist

If you'll be traveling abroad, give yourself six months to prepare. What you need to do to prepare depends on your travel destination. Take these two steps to get started!

Step 1
Find out what you need and tips for healthy travel: 
CDC Travelers' Health: Destinations
 

Step 2
Schedule an appointment to get any vaccines or medicines before you travel: International Travel Health Clinics Serving Minnesota Residents 
 

Checklist

6 months before you travel

• Find and call a health care clinic or travel clinic for an appointment. 
  • Check with your health care provider to see what vaccines you need and make a plan to complete needed vaccines.  
• Ask your insurance if they will cover the medications and vaccines needed for your trip.
  • It Costs How Much? What to do if your travel medication is too expensive. (PDF)
    Single-fold brochure about travel medication. Visit Materials and Resources for other languages.
• Double check that you will have all the necessary health documentation required for travel to your destination country(ies).   

3 months before you travel 

• Reminder: Make your travel clinic appointment if you haven’t already! Some vaccines need to be given several weeks to months before travel. You will also want to give your body time to develop immunity after getting vaccinated.  

6-8 weeks before you travel 

• Visit your travel clinic or primary care clinic.
  • Get necessary vaccines. 
  • Make sure you have necessary medications that will last your whole trip and medical documentation, if needed.    
  • Know what questions to ask your health care provider before travel

    • I will be traveling to ____ and staying for ____ days. What do I need to know or bring to stay safe and healthy?
    • Do I need travel medication or vaccines?
    • What should I do if I am leaving on my trip soon and I do not have time to get vaccinations?
    • If I cannot afford all the vaccinations required, are there ones you recommend prioritizing? Are there generic or cheaper options available?
    • How can I avoid getting malaria or other insect-borne diseases?
    • Is there something I should do to prevent diarrhea or other health problems like blood clots when traveling?
    • What should I be aware of when planning my trip if I am taking prescribed medication or have any special conditions (pregnant, allergies, chronic health problems, etc.)?
    • Can I get a letter from you that describes my medical condition and generic name(s) of my prescription medication(s)?
    • If I want to bring a first aid kit, what would you recommend having in there?
    • Are there other things I should consider to stay healthy and keep others around me safe?
    • What should I do if I become very sick when traveling?
• Figure out a “just in case” plan for if you need health care while traveling.

2-3 weeks before you travel

• Pack your prescription medications. You should have enough medication to last your whole trip. 
• Pack an emergency first aid kit and emergency contact information. Refer to CDC Travelers' Health: Pack Smart for a suggested packing list.

Health care before international travel video

Pre-travel checkups aim to protect you and your loved ones during your trip and help ensure a fun and smooth time abroad.