On the Plane

That big day has finally come - your flight to the USA! Now that you've received your visa, booked your flight and packed what you need, it is important to know what you should have on board with you.

Contact Information

Take the name, address and telephone number of the individual at your US university to contact in case of a travel delay or an emergency. Also include details for a contact person at home and your country’s consulate (which you can find at the US Embassy’s website: www.usembassy.gov/) in the US (or sponsoring agency). Most importantly, you will be required to state an address on your landing card, so be sure to have a university-based or off-campus address with you in your carry-on luggage.

Important Documents

In addition to your passport and visa, it is necessary to carry other important documents in your carry-on luggage such as the materials you took to your visa interview (acceptance letter, proof of funds, etc. See At the Border for more information). You may want to put a copy of your passport, visa and other documents you are taking on the plane in your checked luggage, in case you misplace your carry-on.

Other Considerations

Carry on prescriptions with you in the original packaging with the original written prescription in the unfortunate event that your checked luggage is lost, but , a travel toothbrush and one change of clothes. Also, you may want to pack your mobile phone, charger and converter to be used in case of emergency. Carry on valuables (computer, camera, etc.) and take some cash (in US dollars) for immediate use, such as transportation from the airport to the university campus.