Don't Forget Your Passport: With all the hustle and bustle involved in becoming paper-ready for an international adoption, it is easy to forget to apply for your US passport. Having to apply for an expedited passport is both costly and nerve-wracking. Additionally, some countries require that you show your passport before you will be issued a visa for that country. You may even need a copy of your passport as part of your adoption dossier. So, it is best to get yours as early as possible and keep it in a safe, easily reached spot. For information on how to apply or renew your passport, please see http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html.

Travel Safety: The US Department of State is charged with the safety of US citizens in other countries and they take that job seriously. US citizens planning to travel abroad should consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, and regional travel brochures, all of which are available at the Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens overseas may contact the American Citizens Services unit of the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information on security conditions. American citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting there. Additionally, we encourage adopting families to contact, via email or fax, the US Embassy or Consulate just before traveling, giving them your complete itenerary.