PassportMake sure your passport is up to date. Some countries require that the passport be valid for at least six months after the expiration of your visa and have at least two blank pages.

For U.S. citizens, see Reference Pro: U.S. Passports

Visas and Work PermitsApply for a visa/work permit if necessary. Even for short trips, some countries require documentation; careful adherence to entry regulations will keep your company in compliance. Contact the embassy of the country you will be visiting to confirm what you'll need.

See Reference Pro: Visa Requirements

PrescriptionsSome countries have strict medication importation laws, so check with your destination’s customs authority. If you are taking any medications with you, get a letter from your prescribing physician. Keep your medications in original, labeled containers while traveling.

See Reference Pro: Health Information
See Relocation Essentials: Pharmacies and Medications

Work Letter It is a good idea to have a letter describing what you will be doing in the country. It should include your trip dates and details such as your destination, activity types (work, travel, conference, training, etc.), and whether your work will generate income. You can request this letter from your business unit or international HR advisor.

What to Say at the Border Confirm with your company what to say at customs and immigration. The wrong response to an official's question could send you back home. The right one protects your trip and your company’s compliance status.

Track Travel Find out your company's requirements for tracking your activities, related to employer responsibility for calculating taxes owed in the country and at home. Accurate tracking also mitigates fines and penalties. You must not, in most cases, exceed 183 days in country within a 12-month period. This applies to personal taxes only.

Stay Secure Know the best ways to protect your company’s intellectual property and your personal information while traveling. Exercise appropriate cyber precautions.

See Relocation Essentials: Tech Security

Security Find out about any security issues in the country; these can affect your decisions about where and when to travel. See FBI tips for business travelers' safety and security abroad. Your travel manager may also perform a risk assessment to weigh possible hazards and their implications.

See Reference Pro: Security and Travel Advisories
See Relocation Essentials: Security While Traveling

Preparedness Learn what your company policy is in the event of emergencies. U.S. citizens may register for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel and security updates about your destination, and to be contacted in a local emergency. Citizens of other nations should enroll in comparable programs.

Medical and Other InsuranceFind out whether your current medical insurance will be valid and adequate in your destination country. Arrange for supplemental health insurance if necessary. Also consider broader business travel insurance if your employer does not carry protection against individual travel risks.

See Reference Pro: International Medical Insurance

Inform Yourself about Health & SafetyDetermine which vaccinations and precautions are necessary. Learn more about food safety, and the health care system. Choose your destination from the drop-down menu above, and view the Health and Security sections. For other health considerations visit World Health Organization (WHO).

See Relocation Essentials: Vaccinations
See Relocation Essentials: Disease Concerns

Learn About the Destination Boost your cultural agility by learning a little about the country's history, location, and the people. Choose your destination from the drop-down menu above.

Weather Check the weather before you go, and pack accordingly, also keeping local customs in mind.

Money MattersNotify your bank and credit card providers of your upcoming travel to ease transactions while abroad. Check current exchange rates.

See Reference Pro: Mobile Payments

Transportation Look into available forms of transportation. Know how to get from the airport to your hotel or temporary residence, and the options for getting around locally. This knowledge will help with time management and punctuality.

See Reference Pro: International Driving Permits
See Reference Pro: Transportation Worldwide
See Relocation Essentials: Driving Abroad

Doing Business Learn about the local business style. Understanding cultural norms of the country makes you comfortable quickly and can ensure the success of a business trip.

See Reference Pro: Resources for Businesswomen

Cultural savvy Learn the cultural dos and don’ts, societal expectations, and respectful behavior. They will boost your confidence, help you with good first impressions, and inform your negotiations. For specific information, choose your destination from the drop-down menu and navigate to "Conducting Business" and "Social Customs and Culture".

Local Language Learn a few key phrases in the local language, such as Hello, Goodbye, Please and Thank you. Determine whether you will need an interpreter or translator for more in-depth interactions.

See Reference Pro: Language Training
See Reference Pro: Online Translation