Insurance Health insurance sometimes covers individuals outside of their home country, and sometimes does not. Regardless, insurance companies toll-free 800 numbers may not work where you're going, so call your insurer and get an alternative phone number. It may be cheaper to get a comprehensive travel policy that covers health, medical evacuation, and life than to stick with your existing policy. Passports, Visas and Other Documents Apply for or renew your passport, if it is going to expire within a year. Many countries won't allow you in if your passport is not valid for six months past your date of entry.
Many countries require visas for entry.
Some visas can be acquired at port of entry. It may be easiest to use a visa service. There are still some places that accept only Visa, not Mastercard. Many regions are dependent solely on cash, others accept credit and ATM cards. Always keep an emergency supply of cash.