Shipping Overseas - Records & Personal Papers

When staying abroad, there are many types of documentation required in order to establish identity, apply for permits and licenses, verify legal arrangements, pay taxes, or fulfill any other obligation required to you by the government of your host country. We recommend that you make many copies of such documents to take with you on your trip. Make sure to keep them where they are accessible to you at all times during your travels. In addition to passports and visas, some documentation that you should have readily available include the following:

•  Descriptive data page of each family members passport


•  Birth certificates of each family member


•  Marriage certificate


•  National drivers license


•  Passport-size photographs of each family member


•  Certificate of citizenship for naturalized individuals


•  Adoption papers


•  Divorce and child custody papers


•  Medical insurance coverage


•  Medical records (where appropriate)


•  Dental records


•  Property and motor vehicle insurance records


•  Income tax records of several previous years


•  Wills


•  Power of attorney


•  Lease or rental agreement for housing in your new country

In addition, it can be useful to have several copies of employment contracts, or a letter from the employer that is relocating you. The contract or letter should outline the terms of the overseas assignment such as length of stay, salary, housing arrangements, and other pertinent conditions. Though the employer may have already secured the necessary permits and approvals, having such documentation readily available may answer any questions that arise with local host country authorities.

FAQ? What Happens When It Rains? What Items Are Not allowed to Move? When Is The Best Time To Move? Can I Move My Plants?

Useful Tools Click here to download an editable calendar to use in planning your move. When prompted, click "Save" and open using Microsoft Word.