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Confirm your passport is valid for 6 months from when you think your trip will end. Don’t get stranded.
Get the right visa for countries you’re visiting or transiting through. Smartraveller can’t help you with visas. Visa conditions change regularly so check the Embassy of the countries you’ll visit before every trip.
Get comprehensive travel insurance to cover you and your gear. Get insurance that’s right for you and covers your activities in the places you’ll go. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Consider your physical and mental health. Get advice from your doctor if you’re unsure.
Have a health check-up and get vaccinated. See your doctor or travel clinic 8 weeks before you go for a basic health check and to get vaccinations needed for the places you’ll go.
Check if your medication is legal and available in the places you’re going. Take enough of your prescribed medicines to last the whole trip. Carry copies of your prescription and a letter from your doctor.
Tell your bank you’re travelling and check if your cards will work. Have several payment options.
Research the local laws of the countries you plan to visit. If you're a dual national, check if this will have any implications for your trip.
Share your itinerary with friends or family members. Give them copies of your passport and visa. Share copies of key documents such as prescriptions, your insurance policy and documents for travelling with children.
Know what to do if there’s a crisis where you are overseas.
Keep a list of contacts in case you need assistance
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See what each advice level means in travel advisories