Japan is easy travel. Well, aside from the long flight, at least. And perhaps you enjoy long flights. Many people do. The important thing is there are no fancy preparations before your departure to or upon your arrival in Japan! There is no tourist visa required for stays of less than 90 days (do NOT forget your Special Deposition Visa!!). There are no required or recommended vaccinations, no unnerving recommended precautions (do always check those at the U.S. State Department’s handy page), and your passport need only be valid for the length of your intended visit, with one blank page for the entry stamp.
Once you have arrived in Japan and have rested from your journey overseas, check with your hotel or court reporting team for local must-sees and good eats. This is a country bursting at the seams with both. Whether your depositions are taking place in Osaka or Tokyo, you will not lack for delectable dishes or unique experiences. The strict hours at both the U.S. Consulate in Osaka and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo do give you a few extra hours in the day to play tourist, should you be so inclined. The on-the-ground reporting team can tell you how to maximize whatever available time you have for memory-making excursions in these beautiful cities and their nearby areas.
Germany keeps travel requirements minimal. No tourist visa is required for stays under 90 days. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area and must contain two blank pages for stamps. That’s pretty much it. You don’t need any vaccinations to visit Deutschland, phew! Do check the U.S. State Department’s travel alerts page to be aware of any recommended precautions.
Germany is a beautiful destination, with much to offer visitors, even visitors with little time for tourist activities. Eateries with scrumptious offerings are plentiful in Frankfurt, the only city where depositions can be lawfully taken. The metropolis is crammed with museums and fun attractions, and English is widely spoken in Frankfurt, making navigation easy. Again, the well-traveled reporting team is an invaluable resource for tips on what to do, see, eat and drink during your time in Germany.
Mexico is also an easy destination as travel requirements go. Yay! Provided your stay is under 180 days, there is no visa required. Your passport must be valid at the time of entry and contain two blank pages for stamps. There are no required/recommended vaccinations prior to travel to Mexico, which is always nice, since needles are not. Mexico will usually have travel alerts listed on the U.S. State Department’s website, so do peruse that page prior to your trip.
Mexico is a popular vacation spot, offering stunning beaches and resorts, along with good, colorful food and drink, and a vibrant culture to soak in and enjoy. Depositions are most often held in the capital of Mexico City, which alone presents a myriad of fun sites to explore. These include the ancient city of Teotihuacan (actually just north of Mexico City) and one of the largest parks in the Western Hemisphere, Chapultepec. Check with your hotel, or again, your court reporting team, for tips on getting the most out of Mexico during your time there.
It is worth mentioning that it’s highly advisable to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned return date before embarking on any international travel. Enrolling in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) with the State Department keeps you in the know when it comes to safety announcements. Check with your court reporting agency for more tips on international travel and enjoy your trip!
