What documents do I need in my hand luggage?
Pack the following in your carry-on luggage (not your checked bag):
Your passport with your J-1 visa inside
Your DS-2019 form
Your police check
Your SEVIS receipt
Your insurance card (follow the steps in your profile to access it)
Your camp medical form, if your camp asked you to complete one
A driver's license, if you have one
Printed flight information and onward travel details, in case you lose access on your phone
A debit or credit card (if you have new cards, make sure they are activated before you travel)
Should I keep digital copies of my documents?
Yes. Take photos of your passport, visa, DS-2019, and insurance card and save them to your phone's favorites for easy access. It is also a good idea to email copies to yourself, so you can access them from any device if something happens to your phone.
Do I need a camp medical form?
Some camps require you to complete a medical form before you arrive. Your camp should provide this to you. If you have not received one and are unsure whether you need it, check with your camp directly.
Do I need a driver's license?
Bring your driver's license if you have one. If you are from a country where English is not the primary language, you will need an international driver's license to drive or rent a car in the US.
What about medication?
If you take any medication, bring enough to last the full duration of your program. Keep all medication in its original packaging with the pharmacy label visible, and pack it in your hand luggage in case your checked bag is delayed.
You must be comfortable disclosing your medical information to your camp so they can best support you. Depending on the camp's policies, medication may need to be stored in the health center to protect campers. Your camp will explain their specific requirements when you arrive.
If you have any questions about bringing specific medications into the US, contact your Camp Leaders team before you travel.
Is the preparation course mandatory?
Yes. Completing the preparation course videos in your Courses section is a Department of State requirement and must be done before you depart for camp. These videos provide essential information about your rights and responsibilities as a J-1 exchange visitor and introduce you to your summer in the US.
You can rewatch the preparation course at any time from your Camp Leaders profile if you want to refresh your memory before or during your program.