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TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Depending on the country you plan to
visit, you will probably need a passport, and perhaps a visa or
tourist card.
To obtain a passport
application, contact the nearest Passport Agency, one of the many
federal or state courts, or a U.S. Post Office that accepts passport
applications. Visas are available from the embassy or consulate
of the country you will be visiting or from a "visa service"
which will get your visa processed for a nominal fee.
In both cases, apply
for your travel documents several months in advance of your scheduled
departure to avoid peak season delays.
MAKE COPIES
OF EVERYTHING
Remember, your passport is your most valuable travel document
when you are in a foreign country. Keep a copy of your passport
number in a safe, separate place and immediately report the loss
or theft of your passport or visa to the U.S. embassy or consulate
and the local police authorities.
Make several copies
of your passport, traveler's checks, credit cards, itinerary,
airline tickets and other travel documents. Leave one copy with
a relative or friend back home and carry one copy with you.
Take most of your
money in traveler's checks and record the serial numbers, denominations
and date and location of the issuing agency. Remove all unnecessary
credit cards from your wallet. Be sure to carry your credit card
company's telephone number in case your card is lost or stolen.
Always report losses immediately.
VACCINATION
CERTIFICATE
Certain countries may require an "International Certificate
of Vaccinations" against cholera, yellow fever and other
infectious diseases before you are allowed to enter. Specific
information on entry requirements can be obtained from your ASTA
travel agent, physician or the embassy of the country you will
be visiting.
As an added precaution,
make sure that your measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria
and tetanus shots are up to date. You can also check with the
Citizens Emergency Center at the U.S. Department of State in Washington,
D.C. (202.647.5225), or the Centers for Disease Control at 404.639.3311
for up-to-date information on epidemics or unsafe conditions in
your planned destination.
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