Essential international travel documents checklist: everything you need to bring

Looking for an international travel documents checklist, so you can get everything lined up before your next trip? You’re in the right place. Read on for all you need to know.

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What ID documents do you need for international travel?

We’ll walk through a full document checklist for international travel here - starting with some of the most important items: your ID paperwork.

Passport

Make sure you have a valid passport before you book your flights. Some countries enforce strict rules about the validity of your passport, which means you’ll need to have at least 6 months left before your passport runs out².

It’s also worth remembering that passports issued for children are for 5 years only, not 10 as for adults - double check the whole family has the documents required before you book travel.

Do you need a visa for international travel?

For some destinations you’ll need a visa - and in some cases you’ll also need a visa for countries you’ll transit through.

Get the full information about visa requirements for your destination on the US State Department’s country pages³, or from the embassy of your destination in the US.

Headed to Europe? Learn all about the Schengen visa in our full guide

Travel and health insurance

Having adequate insurance is important to give you peace of mind when you travel. Here’s what you’ll need to carry with you.

Proof of travel insurance

Keep your travel insurance information handy so you can get it whenever you need it.

In some cases you’ll need to show you have insurance to enter a country - but even where this isn’t required, having easy access to both a hard and soft copy of your details can be reassuring and make life easier if something goes wrong on your trip.

International certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis

Before you book travel double check if there are any mandatory or advised vaccinations or other medical considerations.

You’ll find everything you need on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website⁴, along with a handy search tool to find your destination country easily.

Don’t forget, some countries still ask for proof of covid vaccination - although this requirement is in place in only a handful of destinations at the time of writing, we’ve seen how quickly things can change when it comes to travel rules, so getting up to date information before you travel is essential.

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Proof of accommodation and transportation

Depending on where you’re headed, you may need to prove your itinerary as part of getting a visa or when you cross the border to your destination.

What proof of accommodation do you need for international travel?

It’s not always necessary - but in some countries you’ll be asked to show a hotel booking or similar when you apply for a visa or when you arrive at immigration on the border.

Proof of accommodation and an address can also be required when completing a landing card. Usually an online hotel booking, or letter from whoever you’re staying with will suffice. Get full details for your destination before you leave.

Flight and transport tickets

It’s pretty common to be asked to show evidence of onward travel when you’re headed abroad. That’s so the authorities know you don’t intend to overstay your visa.

You may be asked by the airline when checking in (if you’ve not booked a return trip), or by border authorities on arrival, to show proof of a ticket out of the country - again, soft copies are usually OK here, but checking full details for your destination is a good idea to avoid hassle.

Financial documents

Keeping your financial information secure and easy to access when you travel is important, Here are a few things to think about.

Proof of sufficient funds

For your visa you might need to prove sufficient funds to cover your costs when abroad - this paperwork may be checked again by border officials. Have a copy of your most recent bank statement available, just in case.

How much money do you need to show for proof of funds?

The amount of money you’re asked to have available varies widely by country and the length of your stay. Check the details for your destination when you apply for a visa.

Credit and debit cards

Generally the easiest way to keep on top of your card spending while you’re away is to download your bank or card issuer’s app.

You’ll also want to have a copy of all the contact information you might need, somewhere safe - in case a card is blocked, lost or stolen.

What should you do with your credit and debit cards when traveling internationally?

In some cases you’ll need to inform your bank or card issuer that you plan to travel - this is to avoid your card being blocked or frozen when overseas transactions show up.

Not all banks need you to inform them about your travel - check if yours needs you to take action, by logging into your online banking and looking through the FAQ section.

Other important travel documents

Finally, a few other important things to think about when you’re packing your case for vacation.

Emergency contact information

Make sure you have a handy list of emergency contact information, including the numbers for your personal emergency contacts, your bank and insurer and how to get in touch with the US embassy wherever you’re headed.

Copies of important documents

The US State Department advises travelers to take 2 copies of their passports before leaving the country.

Carry one copy with you, and give one to a trusted friend at home. That way, if the original is lost, you’ll still be able to access a copy, even if your luggage goes missing.

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Being prepared before overseas travel can make your trip go smoother. As well as thinking about the important travel documents in this guide, check out Wise - popping a Wise card in your packing can make it easy and hassle free to spend and withdraw in 40+ currencies as you travel.

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Sources:

1. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
2. US State Department - travel checklist
3. US State Department - country pages
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - vaccination

Sources checked on 08.21.2023