Planning to travel internationally for business? Read these tips for managing visas and passports, vaccines, testing requirements, currency exchange and more.
1. Prioritize wellbeing
Travel fatigue from flying long distances and jumping time zones can affect traveler wellbeing and hinder productivity on a business trip. To help ease jet lag, travelers should book the best flight times and class of service allowed by their travel policy. Time flights to align with the usual wake and sleep patterns – and avoid layovers when possible. If a layover is unavoidable, take advantage of it. Ask airline or airport workers for the best places to eat, rest or catch up on work. Many airports are home to art installations, live music performances, and even mini flora gardens or amusement parks (we’re looking at you, Singapore Changi Airport). During the layover, watch the clock and leave ample time to reach the gate for the connecting flight.
2. Manage passports and visas early
Passports
Applying for a new or renewed passport can take weeks or months, especially in countries now resuming travel and tourism following the shutdown. Depending on the country, a passport must be valid for a specific length of time after the departure date, typically three or six months. The rules vary by destination country and traveler nationality.
Visas
Procure necessary visas and passports well in advance. Some countries offer visas upon arrival; some require advance applications. Most countries use an e-visa portal for online visa applications. A passport must have enough empty visa pages to meet destination country requirements. When in doubt, check travel information on the destination country’s official government website or contact the designated government agency in the traveler’s country of citizenship.
3. Heed travel advisories and warnings
Travelers should check official government sources for travel advisories and notices that might affect a trip. These could include risk, weather or health events.
TripSource® provides clients and travelers information and alerts to help keep them safe before, during and after the trip. Travelers can receive alerts about security, weather and transportation events.
4. Schedule mandatory vaccinations and testing
Travelers should be aware of destination-specific entry requirements for testing, quarantine, medications and vaccinations. Travelers are responsible for contacting healthcare providers for information and to schedule necessary appointments. Allow plenty of time to get required vaccines or medications. Vaccines may require multiple doses over time. Some preventative medicines, like those used to treat malaria, must be started before travel. Share health concerns, itineraries and planned activities with the provider so they can better provide advice and recommendations for staying healthy on the trip. Make sure to get proper documentation for testing, vaccinations and medications.
5. Pack properly
Baggage rules for international flights may be stricter than for domestic trips. Usually one personal item (like a purse, briefcase or laptop bag) and one carry-on item are allowed on board. Quantity and weight allowances for checked luggage vary. Refer to the airline for specific fees, rules and restrictions.