1. Protect the journey
Keep travel documents, insurance details, confirmations, emergency contacts and secure copies together.
A reliable packing method
A useful list starts with items that protect the trip, then adds climate and activity layers. Always confirm current entry, customs, medicine and airline rules with the relevant official authority.
2. Match the route
Plan for cities, coastlines, highlands, deserts or parks separately instead of relying on one climate assumption.
3. Pack flexible layers
Combine breathable basics, a light warm layer, rain protection and footwear suited to the planned activities.
4. Verify controlled items
Check official rules for medication, batteries, drones, professional equipment and other controlled goods.
5. Prepare essential tech
Confirm plug and voltage information before choosing an adapter, and keep permitted spare batteries in carry-on baggage.
6. Review before departure
Recheck transport, baggage and destination guidance shortly before travel because requirements can change.
Browse 54 country checklists
All destination pages clearly show their editorial status. Pages under review are crawlable for navigation but excluded from search results.
Algeria
The Algeria section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Angola
The Angola section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Benin
The Benin section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Botswana
The Botswana section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Burkina Faso
The Burkina Faso section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Burundi
The Burundi section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Cabo Verde
The Cabo Verde section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Cameroon
The Cameroon section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Chad
The Chad section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Comoros
The Comoros section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Côte d’Ivoire
The Côte d’Ivoire section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Djibouti
The Djibouti section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Egypt
The Egypt section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Equatorial Guinea
The Equatorial Guinea section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Eritrea
The Eritrea section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Eswatini
The Eswatini section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Ethiopia
The Ethiopia section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Gabon
The Gabon section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Ghana
The Ghana section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Guinea
The Guinea section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Guinea-Bissau
The Guinea-Bissau section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Kenya
The Kenya section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Lesotho
The Lesotho section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Liberia
The Liberia section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Libya
The Libya section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Madagascar
The Madagascar section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Malawi
The Malawi section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Mali
The Mali section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Mauritania
The Mauritania section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Mauritius
The Mauritius section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Morocco
The Morocco section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Mozambique
The Mozambique section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Namibia
The Namibia section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Niger
The Niger section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Nigeria
The Nigeria section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Republic of the Congo
The Republic of the Congo section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Rwanda
The Rwanda section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Senegal
The Senegal section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Seychelles
The Seychelles section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Sierra Leone
The Sierra Leone section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Somalia
The Somalia section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
South Africa
The South Africa section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
South Sudan
The South Sudan section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Sudan
The Sudan section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
São Tomé and Príncipe
The São Tomé and Príncipe section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Tanzania
The Tanzania section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
The Gambia
The The Gambia section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Togo
The Togo section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Tunisia
The Tunisia section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Uganda
The Uganda section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Zambia
The Zambia section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe section opens a general travel-preparation checklist while evidence for that destination moves through editorial review.
Common packing questions
What should go in carry-on baggage?
Keep essential documents, permitted medication, valuables, a charger, basic toiletries and one change of clothing where airline rules allow.
Should I use one list for the whole trip?
Use a core list plus route-specific additions. A capital city, coast, mountain area and park may require different clothing and equipment.
Where should I verify restrictions?
Use the destination's official customs, immigration, health and civil-aviation sources, together with the operating airline's baggage rules.