The information resources on this page are intended for use while you are in the planning stages. Government documents are "informational matter published as an individual document at government expense, or as required by law" (44 U.S. Code 1901). Government documents are the primary source of factual informational information with respect to travel requirements when leaving and returning to the United States. These resources are the primary source documentation included in this subject guide and the online resource and direct internet link is identified for use when time sensitive, factual information is required. According to Cassell and Hiremath, because government documents are published by a governmental body, they are assumed to provide accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information (Cassell & Hiremath, 2011, p. 255). These resources are useful as early as nine months prior to your trip.

Cassell, K. A., & Hiremath, U. (2011). Reference and information services in the 21st century: An introduction (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Neal-Schuman Publishers.

Travel.State.Gov is a service of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, part of the U.S. State Department. This official U.S. government portal is a first stop for international travel information. Travel warnings and travel alerts are prominently displayed. A link to country specific information is available and is a good first resource to the country you are visiting. There is also a link to U.S. Embassies and Consular offices. Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. State Department. (n.d.). Travel.State.Gov. Retrieved from http://travel.state.gov

U.S. Passports website from the Bureau of Consular Affairs within the U.S. State Department gives official information for U.S. citizens on applying for an original passport, renewing an expiring passport, how to handle a lost or stolen passport, and how to correct or change U.S. passport information. Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. State Department. (n.d.). Passports. Retrieved from http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

VISA requirements are provided for countries that require a VISA along with the U.S. passport. Use this official government resource link to access the United States Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs alphabetical listing of every country in the world and find out whether you need a VISA. This is also a good place to start learning about where you are going, and is the official government resource to find information such as the location of the U.S. Embassy and any Consular office. In addition, it is a good first stop for crime and security information, health and medical conditions, drug penalties, and localized hot spots Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. State Department. (n.d.). Americans Traveling Abroad. Retrieved from http://travel.state.gov/visa/americans/americans_1252.html

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, part of the U.S. Department of State for U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. Should your business travel become a residency STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Register your overseas trip or residency at this link. https://step.state.gov/step/

Know Before You Go is the U.S. Customs and Border Control summary of regulations for international travel by U.S. citizens primarily focused on re-entry to the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Control is situated within the Department of Homeland Security. Their website and this document gives you awareness of regulations for clearing customs at the United States border. Of particular interest to the business traveler is to learn how to register new (or new looking) electronics such as your laptop computer and camera that you're taking with you from the United States to avoid paying duty on these items. If you haven't registered your item or can't prove you owned it prior to your departure you could be required to pay duty.

Travelers' Health information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The CDC identifies vaccines for international travel, labeling them in three categories: routine, recommended, and required. While your doctor will tell you which ones you should have, it's best to be aware of them ahead of time, ideally four to six weeks before your trip

Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2013). Travelers' Health - CDC. Retrieved from http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

If you must travel with medications you must know that the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security) enforces federal laws and regulations of the Drug and Enforcement Administration (a division of the U.S. Department of Justice) and the Food and Drug Administration (a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). This FDA website gives information on how to travel with your medication so that it won't be confused with attempts to import illegal drugs into the United States. Consult this website for FDA's guidance entitled, "Coverage on Personal Importations" which covers drugs or medications acquired during your stay abroad for personal consumption.

Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2010). Import Program > Travelers Alert. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/ImportProgram/ucm173743.htm