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Before You Travel to Central America

What you need to know before you travel to Central America.

By , About.com Guide

Before You Travel to Central America: The seven countries of Central America are all in different stages of development, prosperity and tourism infrastructure. Regions within each country differ as well. Before you travel to Central America, it's important to do your research on every destination. Here, we've collected some information to keep in mind while planning your travels to Central America.

1. Passports and Visas

Before You Travel to Central AmericaBefore You Travel to Central America
You'll need a passport to travel to Central America. In several countries, passports must be valid for at least six months after arrival. When traveling between the C-4 countries -- El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua -- there's no need to obtain additional permits or to undergo checks at border checkpoints, following the 2006 Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement. However, when traveling into Costa Rica, Panama or Belize you'll have to pass through immigration/emigration as usual.

2. Vaccinations and Travel Health

Safe travel to Central America includes visiting a doctor or travel clinic four to six weeks before departure time to obtain any travel vaccinations you'll need, such as tepatitis and typhoid. It'll only hurt a little! Depending on where you're traveling, you might also be prescribed malaria pills.

3. Central America Travel Safety

Central America countries and destinations vary in their levels of safety for travelers. Before you travel to Central America or any country, it's smart to check recent updates on the U.S. Consulate website. If you avoid situations that could put you in obvious danger -— like walking alone in a dodgy neighborhood at night -— the odds are definitely in your favor for a secure and unforgettable Central America vacation.

4. U.S. Embassies in Central America

Before you travel to Central America -- or any other country -- it's a good idea to have the address and contact information of your Embassies and Consulates in every country you visit. If you're an American citizen, in an emergency (like a stolen passport), the U.S. Embassies are there to help.

5. Central America Trip Planning

Before you travel to any country in Central America, there's a lot you have to prepare for. Our guide to Central America trip planning includes packing tips, travel itineraries, Central America maps, top destinations, and more.

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