Essentials Box

  • Here are some suggested items to include in an “Essentials Box” which should be in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage:
  • Tickets, passports, and international health certificates
  • Copies of birth/baptismal certificates
  • Copies of will
  • Copies of adoption papers
  • Copies of marriage license
  • Copies of divorce papers
  • Copies of guardianship papers
  • Power of attorney
  • Passport information (where issued, date, and number) and extra passport pictures
  • Medical history and x-rays (both medical and dental)
  • Letter from your medical provider explaining any medication prescribed for you. Any drugs carried with you must be in pharmacy bottles with your name and prescription number on the label.
  • Loose/unlabeled pills may be confiscated or cause inconvenience at customs entry.
  • Prescriptions written in generic terms, medications, and extra dentures, eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Official school transcripts, including adult records, and samples of curricula
  • Where applicable, copy of tax returns (for past three years)
  • Traveler’s check information in a place separate from the checks
  • Copies of life and medical insurance policies
  • Copies of property tax receipts and home insurance policy (if selling home)
  • List of names, phone numbers, and addresses for:
    • Banks
    • Credit cards
    • Insurance policies for car, fire, theft, etc.
    • Company overseas address and contact
    • Relatives, in case of emergency
  • Rental agreement on your home (if applicable)
  • Veterinarian’s records if you are taking your pet
  • Registration, title, and sales documents for any vehicle
  • Inventories of accompanied baggage, unaccompanied air freight, ocean shipment, and articles in storage.
  • Warranties for appliances shipped (check to see if manufacturer has a representative in your new country to honor the warranty).
  • Proof of good driving record from insurance company (to obtain lower car insurance rate).