Age 65+ Travelers

An increasing number of older U.S. citizens are traveling abroad. The U.S. Department of State wants you to be prepared so you can enjoy your trip. 

Some destinations will not let you enter if your passport will expire within 6 months. 

• Make sure your travel documents are valid at least 6 months after you will return home. This includes passports or passport cards.   
• Check our destination information pages to determine if:  
  • You need a visa or electronic travel authorization.  
  • You have enough blank pages in your passport for entry stamps.  

• Review our Medicine and Health page for important information regarding health and medical care.
• U.S. Medicare (for ages 65+) and Medicaid do not cover medical costs abroad. 
• Before traveling, consider confirming out-of-network coverage abroad with your health insurance provider. 
• Consult with your physician 6 to 8 weeks before your trip to allow time for any required vaccinations. 
• Before you go, consider your travel insurance options.  
• Many insurance companies offer short-term health and emergency assistance policies. These policies cover health care expenses abroad including emergency services, such as medical evacuations. We highly recommend obtaining health insurance that covers emergency medical, dental, and evacuation services. 

• Check the Health section of the destination information page to confirm if your medication is legal there.  
• Review more tips related to health issues on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers' Health page.  
• If you take prescription medication, pack enough for your trip.  Keep medications in their original, labeled containers to avoid questions or delays at customs or immigration. 
• Consult with your doctor about your medication schedule when you change time zones for arrival and return.  
• Carry medical alert information and emergency contacts. Also, bring a letter from your health care provider. The letter should describe your medical condition, allergies, and medications. It should note any complications and other important information.  
• Know the generic name for your medication. Pharmacies in foreign countries may recognize generic names more easily than brand names.  
• If your medication requires refrigeration, consider how to transport it. For example, use an insulated bag. Request a hotel room with a small refrigerator.  

Some senior travelers may have mobility difficulties or use a wheelchair. Try to find out ahead of time what accessibility accommodations are available at the places you will visit. Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

• Tell your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling abroad so that they do not freeze your account. Ask if your bank has any international banking partners where you can securely deposit or withdraw funds as needed.  
• If ATM service is not widely available or is not secure, you may want to bring 1 or 2 major credit cards. Many banks in foreign countries will issue cash advances from major credit cards. There may be fees associated with cash advances. 
• Review the Safety and Security section of the destination information page for the country you plan to visit. Check if there are any known financial or ATM scams in that country.  

U.S. citizens 65+ can become victims of scams at home or abroad. All types of scams share a common goal: monetary gain for the scammers. Review our information on Scams for more details. You can find information on common scams in each destination information page.  

• Leave emergency contact information and a copy of your passport’s biographic data page with family and trusted friends.   
• Carry emergency contact information for your family in the United States. (Be sure to also pencil it in the emergency contact information section of your passport). 
• Know the contact information for the U.S. embassy or consulate, for your destination. Share that information with your family and friends.   
• If there is an emergency situation where you are staying, such as civil unrest, disrupted transportation, or a natural disaster, contact your family and friends as soon as possible. Review our information on Crisis Response and Evacuations.  

• Enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP is a free service to receive safety and security alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination.  It also makes it easier to contact you or your emergency contact in case of an emergency.  
• Share a copy of your itinerary, including contact information, and where you will be staying with at least 1 friend or family member.
• Manage expectations – if you don't plan to stay in touch on your vacation, let your family and friends know you will not be in regular contact. 
• Not all cell phones work abroad. Check your cell phone coverage or whether you will be able to purchase a SIM card abroad that will work in your phone before you depart.