Traveling internationally can sometimes pose problems. Since September 11, United States airports have tightened security procedures significantly, and most other countries have followed suit. If you are not experienced with international travel, it can be frustrating to know what is and is not allowed, how long to plan for security checks, and how to make the process go faster. Here is your guide to navigating international security procedures.
Before you leave on your vacation, no matter where you are going, it is important to do a little research on your travel destination. Some places are extremely receptive to United States travelers, while others have more strict security procedures. This varies from country to country, so there is not one single piece of advice that will help you deal with these procedures in every country you might travel to. It is best to anticipate delays no matter where you travel.
How long will these delays be? It depends on where you are going, the size of the airport, how many bags you are carrying, and how many international travelers are at the airport at any given moment. In general, you should always arrive at the airport two hours in advance for an international flight, and in some cases, you may want to arrive even earlier. Plan to spend an additional hour after you land collecting your bags and going through security when you are visiting a foreign country. Of course, this varies greatly depending on your location, but if you think it will only take a few minutes to leave the airport, you will be easily frustrated.
Beyond airport security, what else do you need to know about international travel? Well, for one, you need the right paperwork. Most people know that you need a passport to travel to other countries, but in the past few years, laws about passports have really tightened. Today, you need a passport to travel from the United States to any other country, even Canada and Mexico. You also need a passport to travel via water, so if you are planning a cruise that takes you into international waters, make sure you have your documents in order.
For travel in some parts of the world, you need more than a passport. For instance, you may need a visitor visa to get around in some countries, and you might have to apply for other documents if you plan to stay for a longer period of time. Usually, these travel documents are fairly easy to get, but you have to apply for them early. Passports can take three to six months to be processed, and all countries have different deadlines for visas, should you need one. As soon as you know your dates of travel, make plans to apply for the right documentation.
Along with documentation, for travel in some parts of the world, you need certain vaccinations. This is not just a matter of health; it is also a matter of security. If you are not up to date on your vaccinations, you could be carrying disease into the United States, putting others at risk. Depending on where you travel, you may need to show proof of proper vaccinations. The same goes for pets that are traveling with you, and in the vast majority of cases you cannot bring live animals, food, or other such items into the United States from a foreign country. Specific rules on this vary depending on the item and your travel destination.
When you arrive, you will have to go through customs. There are two channels for international travelers in Europe and most other countries – the red channel and the green channel. The red channel is for travelers carrying anything not commonly permitted, which requires special documentation or permits. The green channel is for anyone else. The United States and Canada do not operate under the red/green channel system, so customs delays in these countries are sometimes longer. You should be prepared to show officials items that you have purchased and are bringing into the country when you arrive home, and you will have to pay fees and taxes on these items in some cases. Make sure you understand laws about what you can and cannot bring into the country, or items could be confiscated.
International travel is not always quick and easy. Before you leave, though, if you make sure that you are prepared to deal with security, you will be able to get on with your vacation much more quickly. Try to remain patient with the people helping you through security – although it can be frustrating to wait in line after line, they are only helping to keep everyone safe. Staying calm and cooperating in a pleasant manner is the best way to approach navigating security, in any language or location
Cynthia Andrews is a freelance writer who writes about vacationing and the travel industry, often discussing tips and travel deals one would find through working with travel agents.