If you are planning to travel outside of the United States, you will need a passport. You will want to ensure your passport will remain valid for at least six months after you return home, and that it has at least two blank pages.

If you do not currently have a valid passport, you must submit an application to the U.S. Department of State (or your home country’s foreign ministry) in a timely manner to request or renew one. Please note processing times for a U.S. or foreign passport can vary depending on the time of year.

• For U.S. citizens: To obtain a new U.S. passport or a passport renewal, it is critical to learn how and where to Apply for a U.S. Passport (state.gov). If you lose your passport while traveling outside the United States, contact your nearest embassy or consulate to replace your passport.
• For non-U.S. citizens: Please contact Mount Sinai’s International Personnel (212-241-8300) prior to your departure to discuss your international trip and any potential impact on your current status.

For each country you visit, you will need to determine if you need a visa, as well as ensuring you obtain the correct type of visa based on your trip purpose. Please note that all travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements for their destination(s) and submitting visa applications well in advance of departure, and for collecting invitation letters or other supporting documentation, as required.

Visa information is available from the destination’s consulate/embassy in the United States. Please note that some countries require you to appear in person at the consulate (fortunately, most countries have consulates in New York). Websites of foreign embassies in the United States can provide further application information.

Finally, the visa processing firm CIBT has a useful tool for determining visa requirements

We recommend making two copies of your passport identification page, as well as any visas. Keep one copy in your baggage (separate from the originals) and leave a second copy at home with a family member or trusted friend. Additionally consider emailing a copy to yourself for emergencies—but keep in mind that email is not a secure mode of communication.