Antarctica's White Wilderness

Passport

Your passport should meet these requirements for this itinerary

• It should be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.
• It should have the recommended number of blank pages (refer to the handbook for details).
• The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable.

Visas

U.S. citizens will need a visa (or visas) for this trip. In addition, there may be other entry requirements that also need to be met. For your convenience, we’ve included a quick reference list, organized by country:

Base and Optional Extensions

• Antarctica: No visa required.
• Argentina: No visa required.
• Brazil: Visa required. Necessary to visit the Brazilian side of the Iguassu Falls.

Travelers who are booked on this vacation will be sent a complete Visa Packet with instructions, applications, and a list of visa fees—approximately 100 days prior to their departure. (Because many countries limit the validity of their visa from the date it is issued or have a specific time window for when you can apply, we do not recommend applying too early.)

If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not travel with a U.S. passport, or will be traveling independently before/after this trip, then your entry requirements may be different. Please check with the appropriate embassy or a visa servicing company. To contact our recommended visa servicing company, PVS International, call toll-free at 1-800-556-9990.

In order for your Final Documents to be issued, you will be required to fill out a medical form and have proof of mandatory emergency evacuation and medical insurance.

Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance

Due to the remote nature of Antarctica, all travelers are required to have emergency medical coverage of at least $50,000 and emergency evacuation coverage of at least $500,000.

• If you purchased our Travel Protection Plan, then you will be covered for $500,000 per person, which meets the minimum required amount.
• If you do not purchase travel protection through us, then you must purchase an alternate Plan with the required medical coverage of $50,000 and emergency evacuation coverage of at least $500,000. In addition, you will need to send evidence of your policy to our Travel Counselors—either by mailing it in with your medical form (see below)—or by email to [email protected]. Please include your reservation number. We must receive this information by 90 days prior to your departure in order to ensure there is no delay in the release of your Final Documents.
• The ship will also require that you fill out an online medical form and personal details. This will be sent approximately 20 days prior to your departure by your Trip Experience Leader. You will need to fill out every field yourself, and if they ask you to submit a form signed and stamped by a doctor, you can use the same form sent to O.A.T.

Please be advised that your Final Documents will not be released unless you purchase either our Travel Protection Plan or provide us with proof of alternate coverage (that meets the above requirements) by 90 days prior to your departure.

Vaccinations Information

For a detailed and up-to-date list of vaccinations that are recommended for this trip, please visit the CDC’s “Traveler’s Health” website. You can also refer to the handbook for details.

Before Your Trip

Before you leave on your vacation, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.
Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.
Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.
Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

Trusted Traveler Programs

Some travelers have found that Trusted Traveler programs can expedite long waits at customs when re entering the U.S. There are currently three programs available: Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. These three programs also include TSA Pre-Check, which allows you to use a dedicated security line at participating airports, or you can apply solely for TSA Pre-Check.

TIP: Keep in mind that not all airports and airlines participate in these programs. You may want to consider checking with your airport prior to applying to find out if these programs would benefit you.

To apply for a Trusted Traveler program or TSA Pre-Check, typically you will be asked to pay an application fee (varies by program) and schedule a background check and/or an interview. If you are approved, you will be issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN). Your KTN is valid for a set number of years, based on the conditions of the program. Please see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for more details on each of these programs: www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs. You can also find more information about TSA Pre-Check at www.tsa.gov/precheck.

If you are enrolled in TSA Pre-Check (or a Trusted Traveler program that includes it), you must provide your KTN to the airlines.

What to Bring

In an effort to help you bring less, we have included checklists within the handbook, which have been compiled from suggestions by Trip Experience Leaders and former travelers. The lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You might also want to refer to the climate charts in the handbook or online weather forecasts before you pack. Refer to the handbook for details.