The essentials checklist

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Download a printable checklist.

Learn about your destination

• Read our travel advice for your destination. We'll tell you the key risks and how to stay safe. Learn what each advice level means in our travel advisories.
• Subscribe to our travel advice. We'll update you when things change. Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram.
• Research the local laws of the countries you plan to visit.
• If you're a dual national, check if this will affect your trip.

Organise your documents and insurance

• Confirm your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your trip.
• Get the right visa for countries you're visiting or transiting through. Visa conditions often change, so check with the embassy or consulate of your destinations before every trip.
• Get comprehensive travel insurance to cover you and your belongings. Check the fine print - find insurance that's right for you and covers your activities in the places you'll go.
• Check if you need extra documents if you're travelling with children.
• Check if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Plan for your health

• Talk to your doctor. Consider if you're physically and mentally healthy enough for travel.
• Find out if there are any health risks where you're going.
• Get a basic health check at least 8 weeks before you go. Get the recommended vaccinations.
• Check if your medication is legal and available where 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.
• Get a travel first aid kit. Take insect repellent if you're going to a country with insect-borne diseases.

Think about what you're packing

• Before you pack, check if items are dangerous goods using the Pack Right. Safe Flight. search tool.
• Check your airline's baggage rules. Some items are banned or need approval. Others must go in your carry-on or checked baggage only. For example, spare batteries and power banks must only go in carry-on.
• Pack for the weather and your planned activities. Take any protective gear you need. Check for any cultural sensitivities regarding clothing, particularly if you're visiting religious sites.
• Consider splitting essential medication between your carry-on and checked baggage, in case a bag goes missing.
• Check how much local and foreign currency you can bring to your destination.

Tell people where you're going

• Tell your bank you're travelling and check if your cards will work. Have several payment options.
• Share your itinerary with friends or family members. Let them know when you may be out of contact, so they don't worry.

Plan for if things go wrong

• Photocopy your passport ID page, visa and key documents such as your prescriptions, insurance policy and identification. Take a copy with you and leave one with someone you trust.
• Have hard copies of online flight, accommodation and event bookings, in case you lose your phone.
• Know what to do if there's a crisis where you are overseas.
• Keep a hard copy list of contacts in case you need help. Emergency contacts for each country are listed in our travel advisories.
• Read the Consular Service Charter to understand how we can help Australians overseas.