Passports & IDs
20 articles
How long does my passport need to be valid to travel?
Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date - some require less, but airlines often deny boarding either way.
Can I travel with a national ID card instead of a passport?
You can use a national ID card for some intra-EU travel and a few other regional routes, but a passport is required for almost all international flights.
What is an emergency travel document?
An emergency travel document (ETD) is a one-way temporary passport issued by your consulate when your passport is lost, stolen, or destroyed abroad.
Can I fly with an expired passport?
No. An expired passport is not a valid travel document and airlines will refuse to board you. Here is the one exception and what to do if you travel soon.
What happens if my passport is damaged or water-stained?
A damaged or water-stained passport can get you refused at check-in. Here is what counts as damage, what counts as normal wear, and how to replace it in time.
How many blank passport pages do I need to travel?
Most countries want one or two completely blank visa pages, and some ask for two facing pages. Here is which pages count and what to do if you are running out.
What if the name on my passport doesn't match my ticket or booking?
The name on your ticket and hotel booking should match your passport. Here is what airlines and hotels accept, and how trip1 support can help with a booking name.
What is a passport card and where can I use it?
A US passport card proves citizenship and identity for land and sea entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It is not valid for international flights.
How long does it take to renew a passport?
US routine renewals take about 4 to 6 weeks plus mailing, and UK standard applications usually arrive within 3 weeks. Renew 9 to 12 months before your expiry date.
How do I get a passport fast for urgent travel?
US expedited service runs about 2 to 3 weeks, and the UK offers 1 week and 1 day urgent options. Here is how to get a passport fast when you travel very soon.
Can I travel with two passports if I have dual citizenship?
Yes, if both countries allow dual nationality. Use each country's own passport to enter it, and give the airline the passport you will use at your destination.
Can I travel on a residence permit without a passport?
A residence permit is not a travel document. You almost always need a valid passport alongside it to fly or cross a border, and hotels will ask for photo ID at check-in.
What is a refugee travel document and where is it accepted?
A refugee travel document is issued under the 1951 Convention by the country that granted you protection. It works in place of a passport but gives no visa-free access.
Do I need a Real ID to fly within the United States?
Yes. Since 7 May 2025 you need a REAL ID compliant licence to fly within the US, unless you carry a passport or another ID on the TSA's accepted list.
What ID do I need for a domestic flight?
For a domestic flight you need government-issued photo ID matching your booking. The exact document depends on the country and on your airline's own rules.
Can I fly with a driver's license instead of a passport?
Only on some domestic routes. A driver's license is never enough for international travel, and in the US it has to be REAL ID compliant.
Should I make copies of my passport before traveling?
Yes. Make one paper copy and one secure digital copy of the photo page. A copy is not valid ID, but it makes replacing a lost passport much faster.
Can I use a digital copy or photo of my passport as ID?
No. A photo of your passport is not accepted as ID at borders or at most hotel check-ins, but it is very useful as a backup if the original goes missing.
What is a machine-readable passport and why does it matter?
A machine-readable passport has two lines of scannable code at the bottom of the photo page. Every passport used for international travel has had to be machine readable since November 2015.
What is a biometric e-passport and how does it work at borders?
A biometric e-passport has a chip holding your photo page data plus a digital face image. It is what lets you use eGates, and it is required for US visa-free travel.
