What Documents Are Required For Travel?
Planning a trip means a lot of excitement and a countdown to the departure date. It's not so difficult to forget formalities when you only think about finally arriving at your dream destination and experiencing all that awaits you.
Nevertheless, to avoid problematic situations that could even destroy your trip, you should gather all the documents required for your destination.
Depending on the country you wish to travel to, these documents may differ and be more or less numerous.
Preparing all documents in advance will help you avoid entry denial or some problematic issues at the border control. So, let's find out what documents you should have ready before setting off!
Contents:
Documents required to travel abroad
Although travel regulations may vary from country to country, most destinations have similar requirements regarding entry documents. If you are confused about which documents are acceptable or necessary, you should contact the relevant embassy or consulate to confirm it.
The most common travel documents include:
Passport
To travel internationally, most often, you must hold a valid passport. If you do not have one, the first thing you should do is to apply for it well in advance of your trip.
The passport application process may take even several weeks, so make sure to arrange it early enough.
Usually, your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to travel. This rule applies to most destinations with some exceptions.
Visa
Once you make sure you possess a passport with a validity of at least 6 months, you should check whether you need a visa to travel to your destination.
If your nationality is non-visa-exempt, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your journey. Luckily, many countries around the globe have introduced the electronic visa system, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate.
Check if your country is eligible for an e-Visa and save plenty of time applying for a visa online.
Passenger Locator Form
The COVID-19 pandemic led many countries to introduce new types of entry documents, i.e., passenger locator forms, also known as health cards.
Although most countries have already lifted this requirement due to the pandemic downward trend, there are still some countries that require international travelers to submit the health declaration, including:
The health declaration includes all important information about a traveler, such as the countries they have visited recently, COVID-like symptoms, vaccination status, etc.
Thanks to these details, the authorities of a given country can easily control the movement of international travelers and take appropriate measures when new coronavirus cases are detected.
Travel Insurance
Even though only a few countries require international travelers to have travel insurance, purchasing an insurance policy covering all your traveling needs should be a must on your document list.
As the saying goes, ?Better safe than sorry? - invest your money in insurance and avoid unexpected costs when staying abroad. These costs can sometimes be enormous, and knowing that the comprehensive insurance policy covers you will allow you to focus on what really matters, i.e., traveling.
Foreign currency
If you plan a trip abroad, you should also arrange some currency before arriving at your destination. Arranging it in advance will help you to save not only time but also money.
Exchanging your money to a foreign currency abroad can incur some additional fees. Moreover, you will need to find the nearest currency exchange office instead of enjoying your arrival in a new place and starting to explore it immediately.
When buying or exchanging currency in your home country, make sure to arrange some cash as well. Some destinations or tourist places can accept payment only in cash.
Travel documents essential tips
Carry a printed copy of your flight tickets
Although most travelers prefer to have their flight booking on a mobile device, carrying its paper copy is highly recommended. Your smartphone or tablet may fail to display your tickets, and presenting its traditional paper version may save your trip.
Have your accommodation proof at hand
As in the case of flight bookings, you may be asked to present our accommodation proof upon arrival. Having its printed copy as a backup is recommended as well.
Also, you may need to upload your accommodation details when completing the health declaration.
Make copies of all your identification documents
When traveling internationally, everything may happen, including less pleasant situations like the theft of your documents. Therefore, it is advisable to make copies of all of your identification documents before going on any trip. Leaving the country without a valid passport may be impossible, but having its copy may help you to make it easier.
Wrapping Up
Traveling is one of the most exciting things that you can do in your life. Remember that planning your trip doesn't have to be overwhelming. Make a good plan, gather all required documents beforehand, and travel prepared for every circumstance.
Happy travels!
