Golden Week finally starts next week, and I will fly from Japan to Las Vegas.

I thought it was about time to prepare the things I need when I leave, so I printed out the necessary documents. Depending on the airline I use, you can register the printed materials online using an app, so it might be a good idea to check in advance.

Printed materials necessary for travel

Things I prepared

Passport (ESTA has been pre-registered.)

As you know, you cannot leave the country without a passport. When traveling to the United States, you must register for ESTA in advance, so don't forget. Also, be careful not to let your ESTA expire. If it expires or your passport changes, you will need to re-register.

Airline ticket (e-ticket receipt for return flight)

Return flight ticket, not outbound. As with last year, I booked different airlines for the outbound and return flights, so I was asked to show my return flight ticket at the counter when checking in for my flight out of Japan. If you use ESTA to enter the United States directly from Japan, the airline will refuse to board if you only have a one-way ticket, so be sure to prepare a round-trip ticket. The ticket for the outbound trip to the US is stored on my smartphone.

International driver's license (I don't plan to use it, but I prepared it just in case.)

I went to the local police station and had it issued. The cost was 2,350 yen + 800 yen for the photo. I didn't need it this time because I didn't reserve a rental car, but if I miss my connecting flight in Los Angeles due to some trouble, or if my domestic flight is canceled, I might rent a car from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

Vaccine passport (If you return to Japan before May 8th, you will need three or more vaccinations.)

Currently, if you enter the US as a tourist from Japan, you need a vaccine passport with two or more vaccinations. It is speculated that this may no longer be necessary on May 11th, 2023.

When returning to Japan, you need a vaccine passport with three or more vaccinations. After May 8th, 2023, border control measures against COVID-19 will end, so this will no longer be necessary.

Overseas travel insurance contract (an additional contract in addition to the credit card attachment.)

It's insurance, so it's for when something happens. Be careful, as treatment in the US can be expensive.

Affidavit (currently required if traveling to the US)

Can also be filled out at the airline check-in counter before leaving Japan. Check-in will be smoother if you prepare it in advance. Some airlines allow pre-registration via apps, etc., so it may not be necessary.

Arrival information (currently required if traveling to the US)

Can also be filled out at the airline counter before leaving Japan. Check-in will be smoother if you prepare it in advance. You will need to fill out two phone numbers where you can be contacted at your accommodation, so it is better to prepare two phone numbers in advance.

Casino Players Card (used when playing at a casino)

An essential item for repeat visitors to Las Vegas. It is like an airline status card. If you do not use this card at the casino, you will not be able to save on hotel fees or meal fees. Since I use this card, I cannot go to Hawaii, but I can go to Las Vegas many times. This time, the hotel accommodation fee is almost free during my stay. I also get several hundred dollars for meals. How much I can save depends on the amount I spend at the casino, regardless of whether I win or lose. So it is possible to win big at the casino and get free hotel fees. If you lose, they might give you a small discount.

Supermarket member card (you can buy at the member price when shopping)

When I'm staying a little longer or when I go out for a drive, I sometimes go to the supermarket. If an item is listed at the member price, I can show my card and buy it at the member price.

Costco member card (required to enter the store)

Japan's Costco member card. I rarely shop at Costco during my stay in Las Vegas, but I need it when I want to look inside the store. If you do shop there, be careful because the credit card companies you can use are different from those at Costco in Japan. In America, it's pronounced "Cosco" instead of "Costco".

Next time, I'll be uploading my journey from leaving Japan to my stay in Las Vegas. See you again.