Logistics
Logistics
The best source for general logistical information about traveling to a specific country is a Consular Information Sheet, available from the US Department of State.
Each sheet contains country-specific, up-to-date information about the following topics (bolded topics are must-reads):
Tufts University affords sponsored students, faculty, and staff with international medical and emergency assistance 24/7 through International SOS. After printing out your membership card, you’ll have access to “more than 3,000 professionals in 24-hour Alarm Centers, international clinics and remote-site medical facilities across five continents.” You also retain access to all of International SOS program’s benefits, including country-specific information about security, medical care, vaccinations, food & water precautions, and standard of health care.
For more information and to print out your (already active) membership card.
If using a computer on the Tufts network, click “login automatically.” Otherwise, email the contact (current it is David Slater [david.slater@tufts.edu]) for the login number, and then enter through “login with the Tufts membership number” from an off-campus computer.
First, schedule your vaccination appointment! Early prep is vital, as some vaccinations regimens require multiple appointments for multiple rounds of injections. Set up an appointment at a private Travel Clinic, through your PCP’s office, or here at T-NEMC. Information about the Travel Health Service at the New England Medical Center is available here.
The NEMC Travel Health Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it located on Biewend 3 at 260 Tremont St., Boston, MA. Please call (617) 636-2847 to schedule appointments. For questions, e-mail Dr. Davidson Hamer at dhamer@tufts-nemc.org or fax to (617) 636-7100
Then, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site for a comprehensive overview of information about routine, recommended, and required vaccinations for traveling to specific countries. Find your destination and learn about the vaccinations you should consider having prior to your trip.
The best source for visa/passport information about traveling to a specific country is the Foreign Entry Requirements brochure, available from the US Department of State.
Select your country and follow the necessary instructions towards obtaining your visa. Start early, as you’ll find some countries have extensive requirements. Here’s a sample of what is written about India in 2006:
“INDIA - *Passport and visa required. Tourist visas require 1 application form, 2 photos, proof of sufficient funds, onward/return ticket, and $150 fee. Visa must be obtained before arrival. Include prepaid envelope for return of passport by certified mail. HIV test required for all students and anyone over 18 staying 1 year or more; U.S. test from well-known lab accepted. For information about business visas and other requirements, consult the Embassy of India, 2536 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/939-9806/9899) or the nearest Consulate General: Chicago (312/595-0405), Houston (713-626-2355), New York (212/774-0600) or San Francisco (415/668-0683). Internet: www.indianembassy.org”