What documents do I need to travel internationally?
For international travel you need a passport, possibly a visa, proof of onward travel, accommodation, sufficient funds, and country-specific entry forms.
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The universal international travel checklist
Every country has slightly different rules, but the core set of documents you will need for international travel is fairly consistent. Get these together before you book your trip1 hotel and head to the airport:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return.
- A visa or electronic travel authorization (if your destination requires one).
- Proof of onward or return travel - usually a flight ticket.
- Proof of accommodation - a hotel booking confirmation from trip1 works.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
- Travel insurance documents (mandatory for some destinations).
- Vaccination certificates (yellow fever required for some African and South American countries).
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to drive.
- Two printed copies of your itinerary, kept separately from your passport.
Pre-travel authorizations to know about
Many countries have replaced traditional visas with electronic pre-clearance for visa-exempt nationals. Common ones include ESTA (USA), ETIAS (Schengen, from October 2025), ETA (Canada, UK, Australia), and the K-ETA (South Korea).
These authorizations cost between USD 7 and USD 25 and are usually approved within minutes, but always apply at least a few days before your trip to avoid delays.
Health and insurance documents
Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country where the disease is present. Others, including all Schengen countries for visa applicants, require travel insurance with minimum medical coverage.
Even when not required, travel insurance is worth carrying - medical emergencies abroad can be very expensive. Keep digital and printed copies of your policy.
Documents for your trip1 hotel check-in
Hotels worldwide expect the same passport you used at immigration plus your trip1 booking confirmation. Many countries require hotels to register foreign guests with local authorities - they handle this automatically.
What documents do I need to travel internationally - FAQ
Your passport. Without a valid passport, you cannot board an international flight or cross most borders. Always check expiry rules for your destination.
No. Many countries allow visa-free entry for short tourist visits. Others require an electronic authorization (like ESTA or ETIAS) or a traditional visa.
A digital copy on your phone is usually accepted, but we recommend printing your trip1 confirmation as backup in case your phone dies or there is no Wi-Fi.
Yes. Keep printed copies of your passport, visa, hotel booking, and insurance documents separate from the originals. Email digital copies to yourself too.
Children need their own passport plus, in some cases, a notarized parental consent letter if traveling with only one parent or without parents.
