Pre-Travel Planning

Verify Your Ability To Enter Your Travel Destination

  • Verify your ability to enter your travel destination/s by visiting the Entry, Exit, and Visa Requirements section of the S. Department of State's Country Information pages for your host destination/s. These requirements can change quickly and/or without notice. Make sure that you have met all requirements.

Passports

  • Processing times for U.S. passports are long - standard passport issuance is 10-13 weeks. Pay an additional $60 to expedite your passport in 7-9 weeks.
  • Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end date of your travel.
  • Information is available at the S. Department of State passport information.
  • You can find locations for submitting passport applications at the U.S. Department of State's Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page.

Visa

  • Every country has its process, requirements, and fees for applying for a visa. You can find current visa information by contacting the consulate or embassy of your destination country. Some countries may require you to attend an in-person appointment at a consulate or embassy in select U.S. cities.

    A consular office may deny your visa application, so it's best to adhere to their requirements and apply as early as possible. You must know what is required of you before entering a country. Failing to obtain a visa could result in a denial of entry into a country and even criminal charges.
  • Please note that although International Operations is not positioned to assist with obtaining a visa, you are still encouraged to ask for assistance in finding the information you need for the application. To do so, don't hesitate to contact the Global Hub at globalhub@umaryland.edu.

Healthcare and Public Health Entry Requirements

  • Check public health entry requirements (including vaccinations) at the CDC's Traveler's Health Destinations page. These requirements can change quickly and/or without notice. Make sure that you have met all requirements. Please note that International Operations can only assist travelers in finding the necessary information to best prepare for your upcoming trip. Only your healthcare provider can ultimately recommend which vaccines and medicines are right for you, in consideration of your personal health factors.

    To obtain the recommended immunization, we encourage using the U.M. School of Medicine Travel Medicine Practice, located on campus and much more affordable than private travel clinics. Please be aware that the UMB clinic has limited availability, and scheduling an appointment well ahead of time is highly recommended. The general advice is to visit your doctor at least a month before your trip. 

  • Check the International SOS webpage, which contains thorough medical information regarding your destination country. ISOS is an excellent resource, especially if you have questions or concerns about the availability of certain medications or whether it is allowed to carry with you your prescription drugs. You can contact ISOS directly at +1 (215) 942-8226. If you call ISOS, ensure to have the International SOS membership card since they will ask for the company name and membership number. 

    Please note that International SOS is not an insurance company, and your personal health insurance is the primary insurance when you travel internationally. You are strongly advised to contact your health insurance provider for international coverage. If your insurance does not provide any coverage outside your country of residence, you should consider purchasing coverage beyond the emergency coverage provided by UMB. For additional information regarding International SOS, go here.