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The Documents You Need to Travel Abroad Now

The pandemic has created a whole new checklist of what you should bring on your trip. Here’s the essential paperwork you need to have in your bag.

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By Lauren Sloss

While international travel is not impossible this holiday season, particularly if you’re vaccinated, the rise of the Omicron variant promises to make it much more complicated .

Assuming you are traveling to a country open to nonessential travel, the vaccine and testing documentation required for entry could range from nothing (Mexico) to detailed and numerous (Norway, and many others). Before booking, you can research online what you’ll need — on a running list from The New York Times here , or the websites of various airlines, the C.D.C ., the U.S. State Department or that of your destination’s government — but be prepared to recheck requirements in the days leading up to your departure, in case rules have changed.

Here are the types of documentation that many destinations now require from U.S. travelers. As in prepandemic times, make physical copies of everything and if you have digital versions, organize them in an accessible place on your phone. Keep them handy, too, as you will be asked for your documents multiple times during your journey.

Proof of vaccination

No matter your destination, no matter what requirements it has for proving you are vaccinated against the coronavirus, it’s smart to bring your physical, C.D.C.-issued vaccine card with you, along with digital photos of your card and paper photocopies. You might not need it — be sure to store it safely — but don’t assume that a U.S.-based digital passport or QR code is acceptable. For example, your physical C.D.C. card will be accepted in France and the United Kingdom; the latter, however, also accepts certain state-issued digital health apps for entry , like California’s Vaccine Record and New York’s Excelsior Pass . And remember to check what vaccines are accepted at your destination.

A completed locator form

Some destinations, including the United Kingdom and certain European Union countries , require travelers to complete a digital passenger locator form before entering the country (you must submit the U.K. form in the 48 hours before you arrive in the country), to help with contact tracing. In addition to your travel information, vaccination status and contact information, the form may ask for your address in the country, and, in the U.K, confirmation of scheduled coronavirus tests that you need to take after arrival. With its locator form, Croatia asks for proof of paid accommodation, and if you’re traveling to Canada, you will need to download and submit information using the ArriveCan mobile app within 72 hours before your arrival.

Coronavirus test results

More countries now require proof of a negative test, often in addition to proof of vaccination. Depending on where you are going, some countries require P.C.R. tests, while others allow rapid antigen tests. The timing requirement of your test might ask for results between 24 or 72 hours before your arrival, or one to three days. Take Croatia again: The country requires a negative P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 48; if you have neither, you’ll be required to test upon arrival at your own cost and quarantine until you receive negative results. Rules for unvaccinated children vary widely by country and age, too — when entering Denmark , fully vaccinated adults or children under 16 do not need proof of a negative test, while 16- and 17-year-olds must have proof of a negative test to enter. Again, have the results in both digital and physical form.

Mask mandates too vary by country and maybe localities, but you will most certainly need masks in airports, on your flight — and if you are going to most places in Europe and the U.K. , for indoor activities like dining. And rather than hoping your cloth mask will have you covered, come prepared with surgical masks and N95s as well. For example, you need N95s,KN95s or FFP2 to ride public transport in Germany .

Proof of insurance

Not only is it a good idea to check your health-insurance policies if you get sick abroad, you should research whether proof of health or travel insurance is needed at your destination. While Egypt , Jordan and many Caribbean nations require proof of health insurance, travelers to Chile , in addition to proof of vaccination and a negative test, must also show “proof of travel medical insurance that covers at least $30,000.” For unvaccinated travelers, Costa Rica requires insurance that covers any Covid-related costs, including but not exclusive to illness.

With minors, proof of relationship

If you are traveling with children, particularly as a single parent or if your child will be traveling with other relatives, Erika Richter, director of communications of the American Society of Travel Advisors, strongly recommends having a child consent form and a proof of relationship, like a birth certificate or court document, in addition to the child’s passport.

Speaking of passports …

Confirm that your passport and any required visas are valid. “Your passport should have an expiration date of at least six months from your return date,” said Alexis Bowen, a co-founder of the travel company elsewhere .

Test for your return trip

All travelers, vaccinated or not, wishing to fly into the United States from abroad are currently required to show proof of a negative coronavirus test — specifically, a rapid antigen or P.C.R. test — taken within one day of their flight. Check whether your final stop before flying has testing centers or pharmacies with approved tests, or consider consulting local connections or the hotel concierge. You can also bring F.D.A.-approved at-home tests with you. Those tests need to be supervised, meaning you’ll need Wi-Fi and an online doctor’s appointment. Finally, prepare to sign a C.D.C.-required attestation either in advance or at the airport before returning.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2021 .

An earlier version of this article omitted a kind of mask that is acceptable to use on public transport in Germany. FFP2 masks are also acceptable, not just N95 and KN95 masks. 

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What Are Travel Documents: A Traveler’s Checklist

Before leaving your front door for the airport, train station, or final travel destination, it’s essential that you take inventory of your belongings, especially your travel documents.

Travel documents are an essential part of a traveler’s checklist. Considering how hectic and confusing international travel to Europe is, possessing a clear grasp of travel documents, what they do, and your checklist will make your journey less stressful.

What Are the Travel Documents You Need To Travel to Europe?

Travel documents can refer to a wide range of information that comes with international travel. Generally, travel documents refer to:

Valid passports are the most common type of travel document used for international travel. Passports are essential to international travel; they are the best way to establish a traveler’s identity. Most countries worldwide will not let travelers into their country without a passport.

The traveler’s home country issues passports. A valid travel document corroborates that the traveler is a citizen of their country, including a person’s name, date of birth, gender, and information about physical appearances like eye and hair color. 

For example, the U.S. government issues U.S. passports, usually from the U.S. Department of State, and proves U.S. citizenship to foreign nationals in your destination country. You nearly always need a passport for international travel authorization.

Remember: Passports are the most credible travel documents a traveler can possess, making them an integral part of your traveler’s checklist.

How Do You Get a Passport?

Passports can be obtained through your local government agencies.

Generally, the issuance of a passport comes with a few anywhere between 50 and 100 dollars. To receive a passport, you must submit a photograph to the government agency issuing the document that abides by their photograph standards.

These documents are integral to getting travelers inside and traveling within the European community. Your documentation informs several functions that are key to effective international travel. 

Photo IDs are a general term for government-issued identification documents. They contain basic personal information like your name, date of birth, address, and photograph. The most common type of photo ID is a driver’s license, though permanent resident and passport cards are also photo IDs.

While some photo identity cards are sufficient for local travel, more strict international protocols require more intensive photo IDs like passports or visas to travel abroad.

Nevertheless, bringing a photo ID like a driver’s license along on an international trip may assist with localized travel within a country's borders or even across the open borders of EU-participating nations, for example.

Visas are a vital travel document for people on extended stays in a country where they do not possess citizenship.

Whereas a citizen’s home country issues passports, travelers are issued visas by the government that is the destination of their journey. This document allows a traveler to visit, occupy, or leave the country from whom the visa is issued.

Types of Visas

There are many different types of visas, including:

• Student visas for travelers studying abroad
• Tourist visas for travelers on vacation in another country
• Work visas for travelers who move to another country for occupational reasons
• Transit visas for travelers who must pass through a country as part of their journey.

How To Get A Visa?

Travelers must apply to a country’s foreign office to obtain a visa. Visas can range in the duration of use; some visas allow a single visit while others are re-entry permits.

The visa approval requirements vary by country. Research the protocol for your visa before you start planning travel arrangements. 

The Importance of Travel Documents

Your travel documents help you:

• Verify your information
• Makes travel easier
• It opens doors for opportunity

Verify Your Information

The world has never been more connected than it is today. While travel is far easier to do than before, the ease of international travel to Europe hinges on checks and balances that ensure communities remain safe.

Traveling with proper documentation like a passport or visa helps the nation you’re visiting monitor the influx of travelers going in and out of the country. Keeping your documents in order enables you to verify your information to meet all the requirements that maintain safe, effective international travel.

Makes Travel Easier

Your documents help you establish your credibility across borders. Carrying the proper documentation makes travel easier as you have the legal claim to navigate effectively between countries.

Your passports, visas, and tickets are issued by state and business authorities, making it easier for you to travel to your final destination and establishing credibility for the future.

Opens Doors for Opportunity

Acquiring the proper documentation required for international European travel opens up opportunities.

Passports and visas allow for extended stays in certain travel zones in the European community. Non-European citizens can gain access to the opportunity to embark on extended vacations or even gain the opportunity to work in Europe.

European Travel Zones

Europe’s travel zones differ in a few crucial ways. Let’s break down the continent in a travel context in three different ways to understand better how international travel works in Europe, 

• The European continent
• The Schengen Area
• The European Union

What Is the European Continent?

Europe describes all the countries that have borders on the European continent. The European continent categorizes nations from Iceland to Turkey and Russia geographically.

Some European countries do not play a role in the two primary travel blocs that play key roles in international travel to Europe: the Schengen Zone and the European Union.

While Albania may be a geographically European country, it does not participate in any international agreements within the European community that facilitate international travel .

Travel Documents Need To Travel the European Continent

Because the European continent is not a political entity, the documents required to travel between certain countries can differ significantly. In most countries, foreign travelers must possess a passport; some require more strict travel documentation like visa requirements.

What Is the Schengen Area?

In 1985, the Schengen Agreement was signed by 27 European countries in Schengen, Luxembourg.

This agreement began a new area of travel between the 27 participants of the agreement, establishing the Schengen Area .

The Schengen Area is a travel zone that allows for eased travel restrictions between participant nations. Travelers can travel from Portugal to Latvia as if it were one country. Before the Schengen Agreement, the border restrictions between European nations were more strict.

With the proper travel documents, travel between Schengen Area countries is seamless.

Here are the countries that participate in the Schengen Agreement :

• Czech Republic
• Netherlands

What Travel Documents Are Needed for Travel in the Schengen Area?

For Schengen Area members, travel documents needed for travel between participant countries are virtually non-existent. The Schengen Area promotes free movement between the countries in the agreement, allowing for faster, more effective travel.

For international travelers, travel between Schengen Area countries is relatively similar. A traveler from a non-Schengen country could drive from Portugal to France without passing through border checkpoints.

However, travelers from non-Schengen Area countries need a passport or a visa to enter the Schengen Area countries in the first place. Most countries also require proof of vaccination in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What Is the European Union?

The European Union is a political confederation of European nations that abide by uniform standards in currency, commerce, citizenship, and travel.

The close ties between E.U. member states mean that travel between them is virtually limitless. The European Union has 27 members .

Overlap between E.U. member states and Schengen Area participants means many free movements allotted by these organizations in the European community.

These are the 27 members of the European Union:

What Travel Documents Are Needed for Travel in the EU?

Like the Schengen Area, travel between EU member-states is generally unrestricted for EU citizens.

There may be increased requirements for crossing into the EU countries for non-EU members, such as U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Foreign travelers are generally required to have a passport, though travel between EU member-states may not need a passport; photo IDs may be an acceptable form of identification.

Certain travelers may require a visa to travel into the European Union depending on their nation of origin or the duration or reasons for their stay.

Learn more about the differences between Schengen travel visas and EU visas.

Check Off Your Traveler’s Checklist with Help from ETIAS

Starting in 2025, the EU will implement the European Travel Information and Authorisation System . ETIAS forms the basis for travel protocol within the EU member-states in the Schengen region for improved security within the EU.

The changes implemented by ETIAS provide opportunities for travelers without visas to pre-screen their security checks for safer, faster travel within the EU.

To learn more about how ETIAS affects your traveler’s checklist, consult our FAQ page . 

Schengen Area

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Prepare to travel

In order to have a successful study abroad experience, research and preparation are crucial.

This page serves as a guide to help you prepare for your departure to your destination. The timelines and sequence provided are approximate and may vary depending on your individual situation. Take your time to read through all the information on this page.

On this page

1. get your travel documentation – as early as possible.

• Proper documentation and identification is required for entry into foreign countries.
• Each country has its own special requirements for entry based on your citizenship, purpose of visit, and length of stay.
• Find out which requirements pertain to your situation, and plan in advance.
• Obtaining documents from embassies or consulates can take months.
• Visit the local consulate or embassy’s website to learn more about entry requirements. For most countries, the closest consulate to Seattle will be in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
• Renew or apply for a passport as soon as possible.
• If you have a passport, verify that it is valid for at least 6 months after the end of your program .
• If it is not valid for at least 6 months after the end of your program, renew your passport.

For U.S. citizens

• Learn more and renew or apply at the U.S. State Department website.
• The normal processing time is four to six weeks, longer during peak travel season.

For international students

• Consult your home country’s equivalent of the Department of State, or the “citizen’s services” section of your home country’s U.S. Consulate.
• Visit the embassy/consulate website of your destination country to find out your specific requirements.

For undocumented students

• The  Resources  section of our website has information for undocumented students  to help you navigate the study abroad process and obtain the necessary documents that you need to travel outside the U.S.
• A visa is a document provided by the country where you will be traveling.
• It gives permission for you to enter the country.
• Visa requirements vary from country to country.
• You must have a passport before you can apply for a visa.
• The country issuing a visa typically attaches various conditions of stay, such as the territory covered by the visa, dates of validity, period of stay, whether the visa is valid for more than one visit, etc. In some instances, you may need to apply for a visa in person at a consulate.
• Visas may be paper documents that are requested and received prior to arrival, or may be a stamp that is placed in your passport upon arrival.
• Information relating to all visas may be obtained from the embassy or consulate of the country or countries in which you will travel.
• U.S. citizens may also consult the U.S. Department of State website for entry requirements.
• If you are an international student, you can visit your home country’s equivalent institution.

Applying for a visa

Your visa application may need to include special letters or documents (such as a letter of acceptance from the educational institution or program). Apply early for your visa to provide ample time for processing. Embassies and Consulates can usually issue your student visa 120 days before your program registration date. Some common forms and documentation required to obtain a student visa include:

Proof of insurance

• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of enrollment in a study abroad program
• 2×2 photograph
• Transcripts
• Standardized test scores
• Flight itinerary

Visas and length of stay

• Research visa requirements early!
• The consulate or embassy of the country to which you are traveling should always be consulted for current visa entry requirements in tandem with the Department of State or equivalent.
• Student visas can last from one month to one year depending on the country where you will be studying. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to research if it is possible to extend your visa.

International Students

• This provision may not be available to international students. Do not sign a payment contract for your program until you know that you can get the visa you need in the time frame available to you.
• International students should plan to apply for a visa at the consulate nearest to the UW – likely San Francisco. Consulates of some countries issue visas only for residents of their jurisdiction. When scheduling a visa interview at the consulate, you should confirm which consulate you should apply through. Most consulates will only process visa application in their jurisdiction. As a University of Washington student, Washington State will be considered your home address. You should apply for a visa through the consulate that serves Washington State.
• You should not plan to apply for a visa in your home country. Applications filed at other consulates are often denied

Students studying in Europe

If you are traveling to the Schengen Area (most of Western Europe), we advise you to familiarize yourself with the restrictions on periods of stay and the ability to do back-to-back programs or extended travel before or after your program. You can consult the U.S. Department of State website for Schengen area borders agreement information. It is unlikely you will be able to remain in the Schengen region for a period of stay that is more than 90 days.

Enrollment verification letter

• Use the Enrollment verification letter request form. 
• Please allow us at least one week for processing.
• Your program director and manager’s names are listed in your program’s brochure.
• A staff member from UW Study Abroad will email you when your letter is ready to be picked up from our front desk.
• UW Global Travel Security can provide a proof of insurance. Please visit the Global Travel Security page.
• Visit the Health, safety & insurance page  for more information on UW Student Abroad Insurance.

Prescriptions

• You may need to have proof of prescriptions with you when you travel.
• Visit the Health, safety & insurance page .

Confirmation of good health

• Some countries will require that a health form or letter of good health (confirmation that you are free from certain diseases, etc.) be provided to obtain a visa.
• You can make an appointment with Hall Health to schedule a pre-travel counseling session and a general physical assessment.

Confirmation of vaccinations

• You may also be asked to show proof of having received certain vaccinations to travel in regions with endemic diseases, like cholera, yellow fever, etc.
• You can obtain this documentation from your primary health provider.

Registering to vote & requesting an absentee ballot

Participating in United States elections is important, and we want to make sure you have access to information on how to cast your ballot from abroad. If you will be abroad during an election, there are steps you will need to take to receive and mail your ballot.

Receiving your ballot

Visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website to request your absentee ballot. You can also use this process to register to vote.

Submitting your ballot

The two main ways to submit your ballot are: 

• Deliver to the local embassy or consulate – free
• Return by mail – you will have to include the appropriate postage

Some states allow for electronic submissions of ballots. If you don’t have access to a reliable mail system, you may need to mail your ballot by international courier, such as FedEx or DHL. See the Department of State website for more information.

2. Secure your UW student housing for the term you are returning from abroad  – as early as possible

• UW housing during the term abroad If you live in UW Apartments & Residence Halls and will be away from campus for an internship or study abroad program, you must complete your Agreement Termination Notice by the deadline set by HFS. UW study abroad program participants are waived for their housing and dining charges for the quarter they study abroad. HFS staff will confirm your participation in a UW study abroad program.
• Priority Retention You may also request Priority Retention status when you complete your Agreement Termination Notice. This will give you the highest priority to return to the residence halls if you would like. HFS staff will confirm your participation in a UW-affiliated study abroad program and, if approved, you will be guaranteed a space in the residence halls and apartments for the quarter that you are returning. If you are approved for Priority Retention, you will be contacted at your UW email address prior to the start of the quarter you intend to return, and you will be asked to complete a housing application.
• Studying abroad in autumn quarter If you will be studying abroad for autumn quarter and will be returning to campus for winter quarter, you can apply for housing when the application opens in October.

Please contact HFS for more details.

3. Book your travel arrangements – 3-6 months before

The University of Washington strongly recommends booking refundable/transferable tickets or purchasing trip cancellation insurance to safeguard against the possibility of trip interruptions or cancellations.

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4. Complete your orientation requirement – 0-3 months before

All students participating in a study abroad opportunity must complete an online pre-departure orientation. Depending on the study abroad program, students may also be required to attend program-specific or on-site orientations as well.

UW Study Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

• This orientation covers important health, safety, and cultural adjustment issues as well as important UW procedures, such as enrollment and credits. Using suggestions from previous study abroad students and guidelines from the UW and its partners, this orientation prepares you for some of the issues you will face while abroad and provides you the opportunity to meet with others going abroad.
• This is an online self-paced course and available in MyGlobal . Log into MyGlobal to access the course.
• This orientation is mandatory and one of the pre-departure requirements.

Program-specific orientation

Some study abroad programs require program-specific pre-departure orientations in addition to the mandatory orientation. This requirement applies to all UW faculty-led programs and some UW partner programs.

On-site orientation

Most study abroad programs and exchanges provide on-site orientations with in-country staff or program directors. These orientations serve to introduce you to the new environment, help you make the adjustment to your new home, as well as provide on-site resources and support.

5. Plan your money management abroad – 1-2 months before departure

Handling your finances abroad has become much less complicated for students than it was even a decade ago. Globalization has made credit and debit card use commonplace and ubiquitous. There are, however, some important matters to consider when planning access to funds while you are abroad.

Research destination country's common payment method

Research the common payment method in your destination country. In some countries, not all shops and restaurants accept credit cards. Check the availability of ATMs. In some rural areas, you might not find any ATMs.

Get foreign cash

In some cases, you might need actual cash. Determine how much cash you should prepare and get the foreign cash in advance.

Understand the local currency and the exchange rate

Learn about the local currency and the exchange rate. Check the rate every few weeks to make sure that the exchange rate has not fluctuated dramatically. Rates can change hourly, so check an online currency converter to make sure that you are using the correct ratio.

Contact your credit card company or bank

Let your credit card company or bank know that you will be out of the country. Share with them the duration of your travel and your itinerary, the details of where you will be and on what dates. Having your card shut off to protect you from fraud is a great service that many credit card companies and banks provide and also can be a hugely frustrating experience for students abroad if they have not let their banks know about their travel plans.

Know international transaction fees

These fees and surcharges may apply abroad depending on your particular credit card company or bank. If your credit card company or bank charges you a flat rate fee, it may be smarter to take out larger sums of money less frequently in order to avoid multiple fees. If you are not comfortable carrying around large sums of money, consider finding a credit card that charges a lower or no international transaction fee. Research to see if your bank has partner institutions or reciprocity agreements with banks in your host country. In some cases, this will eliminate transaction fees entirely.

Consider opening a bank account abroad

For students on programs shorter than a semester this option may not be the most cost effective. If you are, however, abroad for longer periods, you may find having an account in-country provides convenience and savings.

6. Take steps for your health and safety – 1-2 months before departure

• Review our Safety, health & insurance page .
• Review our Emergencies abroad page.
• Consider getting a pre-travel health consultation at Hall Health .
• Understand your international health insurance coverage and options. Read UW Student Abroad Insurance information .
• Review and understand the UW’s  international emergency assistance  resources and procedures before you travel.
• If you are a U.S. citizen, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) from the U.S. Department of State.

7. Complete miscellaneous tasks before departure – 2-4 weeks before departure

• Verify through your MyUW Account that you have been enrolled in the study abroad placeholder course (FSTDY 300/303).
• Photocopy your important documents (your passport, visa, tickets and other personal documents), then give copies to someone at home you trust.
• Scan your important documents (your passport, visa, tickets and other personal documents), and email them to yourself.
• Consider setting up a blog/vlog so friends and family can experience your time abroad with you.
• Verify that your two-factor authentication to log into your UW accounts will work in the country you will be studying abroad. You will need to log in your UW accounts to register for UW classes for your returning quarter.
• Memorize the local 911-type number in your destination country

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Essential Documents Required For Overseas Travel

8 Documents Required For International Travel

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Travelling is an exciting experience that brings in a new perspective of the world. Though domestic trips are enjoyable and relaxing, there’s something distinct about international trips that excite us more.

Click here to buy international travel insurance

Documents Required for International Travel

However, every time you plan a trip to a foreign country, it might get overwhelming and a bit complicated. As there are many things to plan for, you might get confused about where to start. But, do not worry, we can help you with it!

While you begin planning your trip, your first step must be to check the validity of your passport and curate all the documents required for international travel. After this, you can start shopping, packing, etc.

As different countries have different document requirements, it is important to check the documents required to visit your destination country before you start arranging your documents. For example, if you travel to the Schengen region, it is mandatory to have travel insurance inclusive of medical insurance.

Therefore, it is advisable to research and keep the travel documents ready to avoid last-minute challenges. We have listed below a few travel documents you would require during your international trip, irrespective of your destination country.

Passport and Travel Visa While travelling to another country, it is important to have a passport. If you do not have one, it is advisable to apply for it beforehand so that your application can be processed and be ready in time. And, if you already have a passport, check the expiry date; it shouldn’t expire in the coming 6 months or until you come back. Furthermore, it is preferable to carry a copy of your passport.

Another important requirement during international travel is a visa. It is a stamp on your passport which provides permission to enter another country. However, a few countries provide visa on arrival , and for others, you need to apply for the same in advance. Therefore, while planning your trip, check the visa conditions, and if you cannot obtain an on-arrival visa, it is prudent to apply for a tourist visa in advance, as the process might take some time. Besides, in some cases, the visa might get rejected too.

Copies of All Identification Documents You might require your identification documents while travelling or during checkin in your hotel for attending events, etc. Therefore, it is best to carry your original documents as well as a copy of your identification documents.

Air Tickets and Proof of Accommodation Bookings These might seem obvious documents, but some people forget to carry them at the end moment. And these are the crucial documents without which you might not be able to continue your trip. Also, it is advisable to have a soft copy of these documents. While travelling to certain countries, proof of accommodation might even be required at the immigration counter.

Travel Itinerary Details It takes a lot of time and efforts in planning your itinerary, and generally, you make your bookings for accommodation, events, adventure activities, etc., according to it. Therefore, to have an organized trip and visit maximum places in your destination country, it is important to have your itinerary handy. So, again, don’t forget to have a soft copy of the same!

Tickets for Events While Travelling There might be exciting events or adventurous activities happening in your destination country/state during your trip, for which you make the booking in advance. If you don’t want to miss out on that event, don’t forget to have the related details handy.

COVID-19 Travel Documents If you are travelling during COVID19, you might have to carry a few additional documents, like COVID 19 report, vaccination certificate, etc. This requirement might vary across different countries and carrier companies. Therefore, you should enquire and check the documents required before a couple of days.

Foreign Currency One of the important things to carry is a considerable amount of local currency of your destination country. This way, you might be able to save time on getting it exchanged and conversion charges.

Travel Insurance Plan Details Travel insurance is an important document to carry while travelling to foreign nations, as it might get difficult to handle uncertainties during your international trip. These adversities might even bring your trip to an abrupt standstill. Therefore, it is in your best interest to purchase a travel policy well in advance. However, even if you forget to do so, you can apply for the travel insurance policy through our website and avail of travel insurance instantly, which would not require any prior medical check-up. We would just require your basic details and preferences.

After choosing a travel insurance plan from our website, you can customize your insurance plan and choose your sum assured and weightage of other benefits depending on your destination, duration of the trip, number of co-travellers, etc. For example, if you are travelling with your family, you might require a higher sum assured; if your journey is long, you might opt for higher baggage cover , etc.

Some Commonly Asked Questions

If I am travelling during COVID19, do I need any additional documents for the international trip?

Yes, you would require additional documents like your COVID 19 report, or your vaccination certificate, etc. However, different carrier companies and countries might have different policies and document requirement that you need to follow.

Is accommodation booking an essential document required during international travel?

It would depend on your destination country. For example, to get your Schengen visa, proof of accommodation booking, or if someone has invited you, a formal invitation from the host with a copy of his/her passport would be required.

Would airline e-tickets be sufficient to carry, or do I need to carry a hard copy of the same?

It is sufficient to have e-tickets; however, ensure it is a full ticket and not a partial one. To be on the safer side, it is advisable to carry a hard copy of your tickets or get it from the airport before your check-in.

Travel Insurance

Two wheeler insurance, car insurance, health insurance.

• Home Insurance
• General Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance

Disclaimer / TnC

Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.

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Tata aig also offers insurance for the below products.

BEWARE OF SPURIOUS PHONE CALLS AND FICTIOUS / FRADULENT OFFERS IRDAI or its officials do not involve in activities like selling insurance policies, announcing bonus or investment of premiums. Public receiving such phone calls are requested to lodge a police complaint. Insurance is the subject matter of the solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure / policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. Trade logo displayed above belongs to TATA Sons Private Limited and AIG and used by TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited under License. 2008, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, all rights reserved. Registered Office : Peninsula Business Park, Tower A, 15th Floor, G.K.Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013, Maharashtra, India. CIN: U85110MH2000PLC128425. IRDA of India Regn. No. 108. Toll Free Number : 1800 266 7780 / 1800 22 9966 (only for senior citizen policy holders). Email Id – [email protected] . Category of Certificate of Registration: General Insurance.

Watch CBS News

You'll soon need a Real ID to fly in U.S. Here's how to get one.

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: August 21, 2024 / 3:43 PM EDT / CBS News

Flying within the U.S. will soon require an extra document that's more secure than a state-issued driver's license or ID if you don't want to lug around your passport with you. 

Beginning in May of next year, all U.S. travelers will be required to have the official document, known as a Real ID, on hand when traveling domestically by air. As an alternative, they may carry their passports with them. 

The initiative is a long time coming. It was initially slated for enforcement beginning in May 2023, but the deadline was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Here's everything you need to know, including what is required to apply, and how and where to do so. 

What is a Real ID?

It's essentially an enhanced form of identification which, beginning May 7, 2025, will be required to access certain federal facilities, board commercial aircraft, and enter nuclear power plants, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses, permits, and ID cards. It's designed to reduce identity fraud, as it also prohibits Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel from accepting cards that don't meet the new minimum standards, according to the DHS.

Who needs one?

Any traveler who is 18 years or older who plans to fly domestically or visit certain federal facilities will require a Real ID, or an alternative acceptable form of identification, such as a passport. Beginning May 7, 2025, TSA will only accept Real ID cards with the compliant star marking. A handful of states including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are issuing Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) with a flag marking, which also meet Real ID standards. 

Do I have a Real ID?

All Real IDs have a star marking in their top right corner. 

If you recently renewed your driver's license, it could be an Enhanced Driver's License, or EDL, which also meets Real ID standards. Check the top right corner of your license for an American flag, indicating it is Real ID-compliant. If it doesn't have the stamp, it is not in compliance with the act. 

How do I get one?

All U.S. states are issuing Real ID cards through their driver's licensing agencies, with requirements varying by state. Many offices require a reservation, which you can make online.

Visit the DHS website , and click on your state of residence for specific instructions on how to apply, as well as what documents you'll need to bring with you to your appointment. Typically you'll need your social security card, proof of citizenship, and multiple proofs of residence.

How much does it cost?

There is no additional fee for a Real ID, but standard DMV processing fees do apply. Getting an enhanced ID costs $30. 

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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• Traveler Entry Forms

CBP Traveler Entry Forms

Whether you are a visitor to the United States or a U.S. citizen arriving in the United States, you must complete one or more entry forms.

You must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B . CBP Declaration Form 6059B provides us with basic information about who you are and what you are bringing into the United States, such as agricultural and wildlife products and whether or not you have visited a farm prior to traveling to the United States. If you are traveling with other immediate family members, then you can complete one form for your entire family.

Some travelers (such as refugees, asylees or individuals with parole documents) will need to complete CBP Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record .

If you have questions about your form, please don't hesitate to ask a CBP officer for help.

Sample Customs Declaration Form 6059B (English)

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Supplementary Information: Your Travels (IMM 5562)

There are 2 versions of this form:

• a digital version in the Permanent Residence Portal
• a PDF version for paper applications

Check the instructions for your program to find out which version to use.

Read these instructions if you need help filling out any sections of this form in the Permanent Residence Portal.

If you cannot apply online and require accommodations, including for a disability , you may request an alternative format of this form and the application package. For more information, consult the instruction guide for your program.

This form must be completed by:

• you, the principal applicant;

You must complete all sections including those for your spouse or common law partner (whether accompanying or not) and each dependent child over the age of 18 (whether accompanying or not).

If you need more space for any section, please add lines to the form by pressing the + button. If you apply on paper, print out an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and submit it along with your application. Print your name and the form's title on the additional sheet.

Write your full family name (surname/last name) as it is shown on your passport or on the official documents that you will use to obtain your passport.

Write all of your given names (first, second or more) as they are shown on your passport or official documents. Do not use initials.

List all trips you have taken outside your country of origin or of residence in the last ten years (or since your 18 th birthday, if this was less than ten years ago). Include all trips: tourism, business, training, etc.

If you did not travel outside your country during this period, select “ did not travel ”.

Write the full name (given name and surname/family name) of your spouse or common-law partner as it appears on their passport or on the official documents that will be used to obtain their passport. Do not use initials .

List all trips your spouse or common-law partner has taken outside their country of origin or of residence in the last ten years (or since their 18 th birthday if this was less than ten years ago). Include all trips: tourism, business, training, etc.

If they did not travel outside their country during this period, select “ did not travel ”.

Write the full name (given name and surname/family name) of your dependent child 18 years or older as it appears on their passport or on the official documents that will be used to obtain their passport. Do not use initials .

List all trips that the dependent child has taken outside their country of origin or of residence in the last ten years (or since their 18 th birthday if this was less than ten years ago). Include all trips: tourism, business, training, etc.

If they did not travel outside their country during this period, check “ did not travel ”.

Download the form

Supplementary Information: Your Travels [IMM 5562] (PDF, 0.2 MB)

Complete the form

Page details.