Is your passport valid for at least 6 months? Do you have valid visas for the
countries you intend to visit ? Make photocopies of your passport, visa and other important documents that you will
be traveling with. Put copies in both your hand luggage and checked luggage.
This makes it easier to replace your identification documents should anything happen.
(Also, it is a good idea to upload photocopies to your mailbox on the internet..)

VISAS
Many countries require a visa, usually an endorsement or stamp placed in your
passport by a foreign embassy that permits you to visit the country for a
specified purpose and a limited time. A number of countries require you to
obtain a visa from the embassy or consular office nearest to your residence.
Apply for your visa directly to the embassy or consulate of each country you
plan to visit or ask your travel agent to assist you with visas.
Is a visa required for countries that you are visiting and do you have the
appropriate visa(s)? What kind of Visa works best for you. If you stay for a
longer period in INDIA, a MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA is recommended. (You may want to visit a neighbouring country like Nepal, the Maledives
or Sri Lanka. NO VISA AFTER ARRIVAL will be issued in INDIA. On the other
hand it is possible to get a Long Term Tourist Visa (up to 5 years) for the
Republic of India.
Many countries are sensitive to which type of visa you obtain. If you are traveling
on business, a business visa should be obtained; otherwise a tourist visa is recommended.

STILL NO PASSPORT ?
Then it is a good idea to apply 3 months before you plan to travel. If you need visas,
allow more time as you must have a valid passport before applying for a visa.
For US citizens: If this is your first passport, you must apply in person,
bringing with you proof of U.S. citizenship (usually a certified copy of your
birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, a naturalization certificate, or
a Consular Report of Birth Abroad);
2 identical recent front-view photos (2" x 2");
a completed passport application (Form DS-11); proof of identity,
such as a valid drivers license or other photo or physical-description I.D.;
and the appropriate fee for a passport valid for 10 years.
You may apply at any passport agency or at one of the many clerks of court
or post offices designated to accept passport applications. Your birth certificate
or other documents will be returned to you by mail, along with your passport.
If you are leaving on an emergency trip within two weeks, apply in person at
the nearest passport agency and present your tickets and itinerary from an
airline, as well as the other required items. Or, apply at a court or post office
and arrange to have the application sent to the passport agency through an
overnight courier service. (You should also include a self addressed, prepaid
envelope for returning the passport by courier or express mail.)
Be sure to include your dates of departure and all appropriate fees .

When you receive your passport, be sure to sign it .

MISSCELLANEOUS
IMPORTANT:
New Rules for Hand Luggage from August 2006
Check Your Airlines Updated Policies about allowed and FORBIDDEN items in your Cabin Luggage.
Otherwise you may have to through your belongings away or miss your flight.
Most rigid restrictions are enforced in USA and the United Kingdom
even on transit !
Read Details Here

Keep your personal affairs up to date. If possible, leave a power of attorney
with a family member or friend just in case anything happens to you.

Carry only the documents you will need in your wallet . Take the credit card(s)
you plan to use on your trip.

Check if you must obtain an International Drivers Permit for the country you
are going to visit.

IMPORTANT WHILE PACKING FOR AIR TRAVEL:
* all sharp items must be packed in Checked In Luggage
Luggage should be sturdy and as lightweight as possible.
Copy Documents
Make a Xerox copy of your passport, drivers licence
traveler's checks and airline tickets. Leave a set at home and take a set
with you in a different part of your luggage in case you lose any of your items.

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