Travel Documents
Passport
Your passport should meet these requirements for this itinerary:
- It should be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.
- It should have the recommended number of blank pages (refer to the handbook for details).
- The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable.
Visas
U.S. citizens will need a visa (or visas) for this trip. In addition, there may be other entry requirements that also need to be met. For your convenience, we’ve included a quick reference list, organized by country:
Base and Optional Extensions
- Argentina & Chile: No visas required.
- Brazil: Visa required.
Optional Stopovers
- Bolivia: Visa required.
- Colombia, Ecuador, or Panama: No visas required.
Travelers who are booked on this adventure will be provided an information packet— with instructions, applications, and a list of visa fees—approximately 100 days prior to their departure. (Because many countries limit the validity of their visa from the date it is issued or have a specific time window for when you can apply, we do not recommend applying too early.)
If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not travel with a U.S. passport, or will be traveling independently before/after this trip, then your entry requirements may be different. Please check with the appropriate embassy or a visa servicing company. To contact our recommended visa servicing company, PVS International, call toll-free at 1-800-556-9990.
Travel Protection Required:
For new bookings starting 1/1/25, Overseas Adventure Travel requires all travelers purchase travel protection with Medical Evacuation coverage of at least $200,000 and Medical Expense coverage of at least $50,000, due to the remote nature of your adventure.
O.A.T. Travel Protection:
If you purchase your Travel Protection Plan through O.A.T., no further action will be needed, as the Medical Evacuation coverage and Medical Expense coverage meets these requirements.
Your Own Travel Protection:
If you purchase your own travel protection, we recommend you review the plan to ensure Medical Evacuation coverage of at least $200,000 and Medical Expense coverage of at least $50,000 is included. Once you confirm your plan meets the requirements, you will need to email the following information to [email protected]:
- Traveler Name(s)
- Reservation Number
- Trip Protection Provider
- Policy Number
- Date of Purchase
- Copy of your Policy Documents
The coverage information above is for all states and Washington DC, except for WA. For additional information on WA coverage please call our Travel Counselors.
You can contact our Travel Counselors at 1-800-221-0814 to review this policy. You will be required to provide proof of coverage by 60 days prior to departure at the latest. All reservations without travel protection will be at risk of cancellation.
Please note: Coverage and maximum amounts of Trip Mate’s Travel Protection Plan may vary by state and may not be available in all states. Please visit the Trip Mate website for details and important disclosures.
Vaccinations Information
For a detailed and up-to-date list of vaccinations that are recommended for this trip, please visit the CDC’s “Traveler’s Health” website. You can also refer to the handbook for details.
Before Your Trip
Before you leave on your adventure, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:
Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.
Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.
Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.
Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)
Trusted Traveler Programs
Some travelers have found that Trusted Traveler programs can expedite long waits at customs when re entering the U.S. There are currently three programs available: Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. These three programs also include TSA Pre-Check, which allows you to use a dedicated security line at participating airports, or you can apply solely for TSA Pre-Check.
TIP: Keep in mind that not all airports and airlines participate in these programs. You may want to consider checking with your airport prior to applying to find out if these programs would benefit you.
To apply for a Trusted Traveler program or TSA Pre-Check, typically you will be asked to pay an application fee (varies by program) and schedule a background check and/or an interview. If you are approved, you will be issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Your KTN is valid for a set number of years, based on the conditions of the program. Please see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for more details on each of these programs: www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs. You can also find more information about TSA Pre-Check at www.tsa.gov/precheck.
If you are enrolled in TSA Pre-Check (or a Trusted Traveler program that includes it), you must provide your KTN to the airlines.
What to Bring
In an effort to help you bring less, we have included checklists within the handbook, which have been compiled from suggestions by Trip Experience Leaders and former travelers. The lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You might also want to refer to the climate charts in the handbook or online weather forecasts before you pack. Refer to the handbook for details.