Accessibility Needs

Each destination has its own laws on disability discrimination and accessibility.  In some places, there are little to no legal requirements, which can make it difficult for travelers with particular accessibility needs.

Preparing for your trip is critical:  

• Before you travel, review the Local Laws and Customs information in the Travel Guidance for the destination you plan to visit.
• Talk to your travel agent, hotel, airline, or cruise ship company. Learn about accessible accommodations and travel during your trip and at your destination. Ask them about rules for traveling with a service animal. Ask about any other rules for assistive devices on various modes of transport.
• Call the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) helpline at  855-787-2227  (toll-free). They may assist if you need help with the security screening process. You can also check TSA’s website,  TSA Cares. They can answer questions about screening policies, procedures, and security checkpoints. 
• Check websites such as Mobility International USA to find disability organizations abroad.  
• Check out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. It’s in 230+ airports and helps travelers who have non-apparent disabilities. Travelers wear the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard or related aid. These can be found at information desks of participating airports. By wearing them, travelers alert staff that they may need help. 
• Check the help services available at your destination airport.   

Before traveling, you should research taking a service animal abroad:  

• Check the Travel Guidance for the destinaiton you are going to visit. Look for information on legal limits, access issues, or cultural norms. They may affect travel with your service animal.  
• Research any quarantine, vaccination, or documentation requirements for your destination. Research this also for any destinations you will travel through.
• Talk with your vet about tips for traveling with your service animal.
• Make sure your hotel will accommodate your service animal.  
• Confirm with your airline what its requirements are.  
• View Mobility International USA’s tip sheet for Service Dogs and International Travel.

Research whether the airline follows specific rules for your assistive devices and equipment. These may include:  

• Wheelchairs   
• Portable machines  
• Batteries  
• Respirators  
• Oxygen  

You could be required either to take such items only as checked baggage, or only as carry-ons. The departing and arriving airports may have specific rules for such equipment.    

Research if there are wheelchair or medical equipment providers at your destination. Also check if there are repair services there. Consider the following:  

• Check any rules about wheelchairs. This includes the type, like manual vs. power, and other devices like scooters.   
• Bring extra supplies. Wheelchair tires, tubes, and patch kits may not be available at your destination.  
• Always gate-check your wheelchair and keep the receipt.
• Have information about your equipment at hand.  This includes its make, model, and type of battery used, if any.   
• Check airline policies on damaged equipment and how long it may take for a replacement.
• Check the voltage at your destination and of the wheelchair. You may need a converter.
• Check the type of electrical plug and outlets at your destination. Consider bringing an adapter if needed.  
• Consider the reliability of the electrical system at your destination, 24/7.

• Bring extra batteries for devices such as hearing aids.  
• Consider bringing a portable external charger for equipment such as communication devices.  

Deaf and hard of hearing travelers may choose to use a Video Relay Service (VRS) while abroad. There are some useful VRS websites that can be used while traveling abroad. Users may be required to register an account prior to travel.

Deaf and hard of hearing travelers may need to notify their Video Relay Service (VRS) provider before traveling. This is to maintain access to VRS while overseas. There are some useful VRS websites that can be used while traveling abroad. For info on video relay services abroad, review these resources:

• Federal Communications Commission
• Sorenson
• CONVO

Check with your physician before traveling abroad. Understand what health care you may need during your trip. Your health insurance plan may not provide coverage overseas.

• U.S. Medicare (for ages 65+) and Medicaid do not cover medical costs abroad.
• Consult with your physician 6 to 8 weeks before your trip to allow time for any required vaccinations.
• Before you go, consider 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.

We recommend supplemental medical insurance and medical evacuation plans. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid does not provide coverage abroad. Private health insurance plans may not cover claims. If they do, they may require you to pay costs directly before getting reimbursed.

• Visit our webpage Medicine and Health.
• Review the Travelers’ Health page of the Centers for Disease Control website. 
• 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.
• Carry sufficient prescription medication to last your entire trip. Bring extra medicine in case of delays. Some prescription drugs that are legal in the U.S. are illegal abroad. Check the Travel Guidance for your destination to confirm if your medication is legal there.
• Always carry your prescriptions in their labeled containers, not in a pill pack.  
• Pack medications in your carry-on luggage. Do not pack medications in checked luggage, which can be lost or delayed.
• If your medication requires refrigeration, consider how to transport it. For example, use an insulated bag. Request a hotel room with a small refrigerator.
• If you are changing time zones, discuss any changes to your medication schedule (both outgoing and returning) with your doctor.
• Consider bringing extra supplies. For example, your destination may lack incontinence supplies, diabetes test strips, and hearing aid batteries.
• Consult with your physician 6 to 8 weeks before your trip to allow time for any required vaccinations. 
• Check the medical services, hospitals, and urgent care at your destination. This may include dialysis centers and mental health professionals. 
• Check out Mobility International USA’s  tip sheet on health coverage while abroad. 

Some airports have real-time alerts on screens, but not all do.  If you need real-time information related to your travel, sign up for alerts with your airline. Check with your airline’s service desk. You can get up to date information like gate changes, delays, and cancellations.