Traveling, especially abroad, requires careful attention to detail. For your trip to be successful, many factors must align. There are many things to consider while deciding what to bring and leave behind. To avoid unexpected problems in a new country, it's essential to bring the following documents for international travel.
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Key Travel Documents
Passport
A passport is crucial while traveling internationally, as it's likely required for most countries you visit. If you already have a passport, then check its expiration date. Make sure it's valid for at least six more days beyond the last date of your trip.
Many countries require you to have a minimum of six months of validity left on your current passport to enter them. Giving yourself an extra few weeks doesn't hurt.
Otherwise, apply for the passport well before your departure, so it'll be ready in time. However, there is one thing you can do to speed up this procedure.
As you know, a specific photo must be taken for your documents, but you may do it yourself with the right passport photo editor. Using it will save time and, more importantly, protect you from unnecessary stress.
Travel Visa
You may need one more document for international travel: a visa. This stamp in your passport allows you to enter another country.
Remember that depending on your home country, some nations you enter may provide you with a visa upon arrival, and others may not require one.
It is wise to apply for a tourist visa in advance to avoid delays. Additionally, the visa may be rejected in specific circumstances. The earlier you can apply, the better.
Driver's License
To avoid serious legal problems, a valid driver's license should always be carried when traveling by car or planning to drive in a new location.
Before leaving home, check whether you'll need an international driver's license for your destination. If not, bring your regular driver's license from home.
A driver's license can be a good idea even if you don't plan to rent a car or drive abroad. It's generally safer to leave your passport securely stored at your accommodation (in a hostel locker or a hotel safe).
That way, if you're pickpocketed, they may only get your driver's license, not your passport (a far more costly loss in terms of time and money to replace).
Copies of ID documents
If your backpack or luggage goes missing while traveling, you should have a hard copy of your documents in your carry-on bag, which can help you in various situations.
For instance, if you lose your original passport, you can at least carry that around while you await a new passport (via your country's nearest embassy).
If you lose your baggage at the airport, the staff can compare the photocopied ID in the luggage you want to claim with the original version you brought in your carry-on bag.
Travel Insurance
A travel insurance policy is an essential document for international travel and is required when visiting foreign countries. This document is crucial should anything unexpected occur. That is why you should bring a printed copy and ensure easy access to a digital one.
Moreover, travel insurance is helpful for delays and cancellations regardless of COVID. If you intend to drive overseas, you may also need car insurance.
Tickets for Planned Events
If you've booked guides or tours in advance, or are traveling to attend a particular event, such as a concert, bring printed copies as backups to any digital tickets when possible.
COVID-19 Travel Documents
Domestic and international travel have significantly changed due to the coronavirus pandemic. While many countries have been dropping their entry requirements related to COVID-19, it's still possible you're heading somewhere that hasn't, and a negative COVID-19 test may be required.
Check the needs of the nations you intend to visit in advance, as many of them require this kind of certificate within a specific timeframe.
Also, this printed document may be needed when visiting public places. So, make sure you have this documentation before traveling.
Vaccines Certificates
Vaccination certificates are sometimes required to enter countries, as they show you're protected against specific diseases. If you don't have documentation, some countries may deny you entry.
Therefore, if you want to go, search for the complete list of vaccines you should have to be able to travel there. Keep them safe, such as with your passport, and make photocopies.
Travel Itinerary Details
You should also keep your itinerary in your luggage. Sometimes, when arriving at the airport, a customs officer may ask you about your plans and reservations to ensure you won't be staying illegally in the country of your destination.
We highly recommend that you keep a digital and a hard copy of your payments to avoid suspicion or additional questions.
Traveling will be a positive and worthwhile experience if you do it responsibly. So, make sure you have these necessary documents for international travel in your possession before you leave. The best plan is to search for all the requirements for the country you plan to visit and prepare in advance.
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This story is brought to you in partnership with Passport Photo Maker.
