Here’s the ultimately condensed documentation checklist you should go through before any of your travels.
A travel document is a form given by a government or an international organization to authenticate or confirm a person’s identity. This is to facilitate the movement of persons or groups of individuals in crossing international boundaries. They usually assure other countries that the person holding these documents may have an intent to go back to the issuing country. Without further ado, here’s the ultimately condensed documentation checklist you should go through before any of your travels.
1. Passport
It is recommended that you apply for a passport a few months before your scheduled trip. When you do have one, it should be valid for at least six months, depending on your destination, until you return home and it should have at least two or three blank pages. Many countries won’t grant you access otherwise.
● Passports for children under the age of 16
Passports issued for children under the age of 16 are valid for five years only, not 10 years like adult passports. Carefully check passport expiry dates and renew early.
● Europe Traveling across Canada and the UK
The 26 Schengen nations of Europe specifically follow the validity law for six months. If you travel across Canada or the United Kingdom: who do not have this condition: Your passport must be valid for at least six months or the airlines may bar you from boarding your flight to Europe onwards.
2. Visa
A country like the United States may require a visa when entering its borders. There is, however, a caveat to this rule in some cases.
Who Needs a Visa? (Visa waiver scheme)
● There are certain countries that are exempted from the visa requirement when entering the United States. This caveat only applies to nationals coming from the 38 countries that are members of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The US government has established an online portal to apply for an authorization, https://www.estaform.org/, so you can only apply for through their online forms. Foreign nationals from these nations may be eligible for the VWP if they fly to the United States for business or leisure for a minimum of 90 days or less.
Specifications to satisfy the Visa Waiver Programme:
● Be a citizen of any of the 38 countries participating
● Have an e-Passport * (electronic passport) with an embedded bird, a scanned (not glued or laminated) photograph, and a machine-readable zone
● Check out the online application ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation System), which specifies the fitness of a traveler under the VWP automatically
● Pay the processing fee and the authorization charge (if approved)
3. Medical Prescriptions
In many countries, some prescription medications, including opioids and some U.S. over-the-counter products, are prohibited. Before you fly, consult with your destination(s) embassy about regulations and documentation.
4. Permission to Travel with Minors
When you are traveling alone with children, international border agents can request custody records or the other parent's notarized written consent. Before traveling check with your foreign destination embassy to see what you may need.
5. International Driving Permit
Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license, but most accept an IDP. You may need additional auto insurance too. Once you go, learn about driving and road safety abroad.
Travel Documents when exiting the U.S.
The United States also has provisions for travel documents for any traveler entering the country. These documents aren't the same as the entry documents needed.
Forms of travel documents deemed appropriate for exit from the United States include:
● Passport issued by Government
● S. Permanent Card of Residence
● Stateless Document on Travel
● Re-entering permit
● NEXUS Card
● Cash S. Merchant Mariner
● Card of Military ID
● A certificate issued by an embassy or consulate for emergency travel
These documents vary from country to country so you should also check the necessary requirements for those particular nations. Make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible by preparing the proper travel documents and completing all the necessary procedures before you embark on the trip you dreamed of.
