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USA Travel Checklist – Items to Carry & Things To Do

  • July 17, 2017
  • Mani Karthik

This article was last updated and fact checked on October 11, 2024 by Mani Karthik.

Planning a trip to the USA? Whether you’re going for a vacation, work, or to visit family, packing and preparing for your journey can feel like a daunting task.

But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with this ultimate USA travel checklist to ensure you’re well-prepared and stress-free!

Here’s everything you need to carry and do before stepping onto that plane. Let’s dive right in.

In this article...

  • 1. Travel Documents
  • 2. Health Essentials
  • 3. Money Matters
  • 4. Tech & Gadgets
  • 5. Clothing & Weather Gear
  • 6. Essentials for Long Flights
  • 7. Arrival Essentials

1. Travel Documents

This is your number one priority. If you forget these, you’re not boarding that flight, period.

  • Valid Passport
    Your passport should have at least six months validity beyond your intended stay. This is a crucial rule many people overlook.
  • U.S. Visa
    Make sure your visa is approved and stamped in your passport before departure. If you’re eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), make sure to apply for ESTA.
  • Flight Tickets
    Have both physical and digital copies of your tickets. If possible, download your boarding pass in advance.
  • Hotel Reservations
    Print your hotel confirmation or save it in an easily accessible place on your phone.
  • Travel Insurance
    It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Carry a travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellations.

Pro Tip: Make photocopies of your passport, visa, and insurance policy. Keep a copy with you and leave one with someone you trust back home.

Helpful Tip

When traveling to USA, travel insurance is much recommended.

Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.

However there are other choices like these, as well.

2. Health Essentials

You never know when you might need medical supplies while traveling, so packing these health essentials is crucial:

  • Prescription Medications
    Carry all the medicines you need, along with a doctor’s prescription. Make sure you have enough for the entire trip, as getting replacements can be tricky abroad.
  • Over-the-counter Medications
    Bring basic OTC meds like painkillers, antacids, or allergy pills. You’ll appreciate having them when you’re jet-lagged or suddenly feeling unwell.
  • Face Masks and Sanitizers
    Due to ongoing health concerns, it’s a good idea to pack face masks, hand sanitizers, and disinfectant wipes.
  • Vaccination Proof
    Many countries require proof of vaccination for entry. If you’re traveling post-pandemic, ensure you have a vaccination certificate (if applicable).

3. Money Matters

Managing your finances during a trip is a big deal. You don’t want to be stuck in a foreign country without access to your funds.

  • International Credit/Debit Cards
    Make sure your cards work internationally. Contact your bank to inform them about your travel plans to avoid any transaction blocks.
  • Cash
    While the U.S. is a card-heavy country, it’s wise to carry some U.S. dollars in cash for tips, taxis, or emergencies. Exchange a small amount before your trip.
  • Travel Forex Cards
    If you prefer not to use your debit/credit cards, consider using a travel forex card, which is a prepaid card loaded with U.S. dollars.

Pro Tip: Always carry a little extra cash in hidden pockets or your bag in case of an emergency.

4. Tech & Gadgets

Don’t let tech trouble slow you down. Here’s what you need:

  • Universal Travel Adapter
    The U.S. uses a different voltage (120V), so make sure you have a universal plug adapter that supports U.S. plugs.
  • Mobile Phone
    Check if your phone is unlocked for international SIM cards. Alternatively, you can buy a local SIM card or a prepaid travel SIM on arrival.
  • Power Bank
    Long flights or layovers can drain your devices. A fully charged power bank is a must.
  • Portable Wi-Fi Device
    If staying connected is critical for you, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can be a lifesaver, especially when you need to navigate or communicate.

5. Clothing & Weather Gear

Pack according to the season and destination within the U.S. It can vary widely across states.

  • Layered Clothing
    U.S. weather can be unpredictable, so it’s smart to pack layers. Even in the summer, many indoor spaces can be heavily air-conditioned.
  • Comfortable Shoes
    Expect to walk a lot, especially in cities like New York or San Francisco. Carry a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
  • Rain Gear
    Depending on the region, you might face rainy days. A compact umbrella or a light rain jacket can come in handy.

Pro Tip: Always check the weather forecast for your destination before you start packing to avoid unnecessary items.

6. Essentials for Long Flights

Prepare for those hours in the air, especially on a long-haul flight.

  • Neck Pillow
    A good neck pillow will make a huge difference on long flights. Pair it with a sleep mask for some rest.
  • Noise-canceling Headphones
    Plane noise can get annoying. A pair of noise-canceling headphones will block it out and make your journey more pleasant.
  • Snacks
    Even though flights provide meals, it’s wise to carry light snacks or energy bars in case you get hungry between meals.
  • Books or E-Reader
    Flights are a great time to catch up on reading, so pack your favorite book or an e-reader loaded with entertainment.

7. Arrival Essentials

Once you land, here’s what you’ll need to manage the first few hours on U.S. soil:

  • Customs Forms
    On your flight, you will be asked to fill out a Customs Declaration Form. Have your flight and accommodation details ready to fill it out correctly.
  • Port of Entry Documents
    Ensure you have your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents easily accessible when going through U.S. immigration and customs.
  • Transportation
    Plan your airport transfer in advance, whether it’s a taxi, rideshare app, or public transportation.
  • Accommodation Details
    Know the address and check-in instructions for your accommodation. Some hotels may require you to present your passport at check-in.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to the USA can be a smooth experience as long as you plan ahead and pack smart. Stick to this checklist, and you’ll be ready for whatever your trip throws your way!

Pro Tip: Keep your travel documents, money, and essential items in a carry-on bag so they’re accessible during the flight and upon arrival.

Safe travels!

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Be2c34b9f8d5710f56ad8bcdadecfeb4f98d8809eba603af834a20aa9fb44916
Mani Karthik

Having lived in 3+ countries, worked for companies small and big in the USA, Middle East & India, I have a lot of experience to share about international travel, immigration and living as an NRI in the US.

Related Topics
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  • US Travel Tips

Forms To Fill When Traveling from India to USA

  • July 17, 2017
  • Mani Karthik
View Post
8 comments
  1. 8ce0803bb04c9aadaea87f5b75906ef4281f1fa2c190fb15103b2940b5c5b870KRISHNA says:
    April 24, 2019 at 10:50 am

    Interesting and informative, Thanks for giving this piece of bread.

    A small suggestion, I didn’t see any icon to share this article to other social media platforms. If you can add some share buttons, that will be useful to fellow readers to share your articles among our friends. Time being i am copying your URL for sharing.

    Reply
    1. Be2c34b9f8d5710f56ad8bcdadecfeb4f98d8809eba603af834a20aa9fb44916Mani Karthik says:
      April 25, 2019 at 2:23 pm

      Thanks Krishna. The buttons are below the post.

      Reply
  2. 3b57a276fc7fb23ce05fe30ca7e46553a2c7e76e7700c687fa281421aa46bfbaSejal says:
    September 11, 2019 at 3:08 am

    Thank you so much , is it mandatory to take. Vaccines if we are going for a 12 day trip to US?

    Reply
  3. 138f3ff32ba0c5f7a3eb0dbbcfdbcfb78913a601a3707f94c8ea73d7aa638242Mridul says:
    October 10, 2019 at 11:35 am

    Hi, Karthik

    in your segment on medications and vaccinations, the list for vaccinations is specifically for immigrants. what about people travelling for a short while on the non immigrant visa types?

    Reply
    1. Be2c34b9f8d5710f56ad8bcdadecfeb4f98d8809eba603af834a20aa9fb44916Mani Karthik says:
      October 10, 2019 at 1:28 pm

      You will need to carry whatever medicines you need with a Doctor’s prescription. However, there is no guarantee that they will be allowed to the US. It is solely dependent on the officer.

      Reply
  4. 7559b551df95d1f44c14eb42c7dd341b1afc9928ff20d2fc875974cb0560fa67Sree Rao says:
    August 1, 2022 at 5:14 am

    Hi
    I am Indian Citizen., currently living in China., i have a B1/B2 visa for USA., and planning to travelling., vaccination certificates prepared., do i have to get prior approvals or anything before taking flight. Please advice.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  5. B875cda964212ad565544951bfc9b4864a0a387780d2e5eead9104bda3cff5fcRanjeet Kumar says:
    June 27, 2023 at 3:07 am

    My wife has gone to India to visit parents . Her Indian passport will expire on 02/24/2024 . Her return ticket to the USA on september 10th . She is on a USA H4 visa and visa is valid until 10/10/2024 . So at time of entering the USA her Indian passport will have 5 month 14 days left on expiry .
    Is there any issue on the port of entry? Our plan is to renew her passport once she is in the USA from the Indian embassy . Please advise.

    Reply
    1. Be2c34b9f8d5710f56ad8bcdadecfeb4f98d8809eba603af834a20aa9fb44916Mani Karthik says:
      June 27, 2023 at 3:10 am

      Yes, that could be a problem. According to the documents, you need 6 months validity of the passport when entering USA. They might take deviations but just to avoid any confusion and anxiety, it might be a better idea to get the passport extended, before she re-enters USA.

      Reply

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