Having the right documents with you is an essential part of travel, and unfortunately, it might be responsible for some stressful moments if it goes wrong.
I experienced this firsthand on a recent trip, when my husband flew between states to meet up with me for an international flight. The morning after he arrived, he appeared in the kitchen with a stricken expression… he’d left his passport behind! He didn’t need it for his domestic flight, so it simply slipped his mind when he was packing. After some serious nail biting, we were hugely relieved when we were able to have the passport sent to us overnight and it arrived hours before our departure, saving our travel plans.
Packing your bags is the easy part—remembering the right documents can be trickier
Nobody wants to start their travel experience in an adrenaline-fueled panic. When you’re getting ready for a trip, it’s easy to focus on clothes, chargers, and toiletries—but forgetting an important document can cause far more stress than leaving your favorite sweater behind. Whether you’re heading across the country or around the globe, having the right paperwork in order can mean the difference between a smooth journey and a major headache.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about travel documents for both domestic and international trips. We’ll cover what’s required, what’s optional but smart to bring, and which apps can make traveling easier.
Domestic Travel Documents (within the USA)
Any trip can be a little nerve-wracking. You’re leaving your routines behind and navigating new territory. Knowing you have your essential documents safely in hand takes one big worry off your plate and ensures your trip will go smoothly. If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling within the country, you’ll only need a few basic items to travel. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need (and what’s just nice to have) to breeze through the airport or hit the road with confidence.
Required Documents
Government-Issued Photo ID
The most important item to carry is a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a state-issued ID. TSA will ask for this when you go through security at the airport.
You’ve probably been hearing about Real ID, and maybe you wonder if you need a new identification. Real ID is part of a federal law that sets stricter ID standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. As of May 7, 2025, you need a Real ID-compliant identification to fly domestically.
Not sure if you have a Real ID? Look for a gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner of your driver’s license or state ID. If you don’t have a Real ID, you can get one at your local driver’s license office by bringing documents that prove your identity and address.
As an alternative to a Real ID driver’s license, you can travel domestically with approved documents like a passport, military ID, or DHS trusted traveler cards. View TSA’s complete list of forms of acceptable identification here.
Wondering what happens if you show up at the airport without a qualifying ID? All is not lost, but you may be directed to a separate area for additional screening by TSA, so be sure to allow extra time to get through security.
Identification for Kids
If you’re traveling with kids under 18, they don’t need an ID when flying with an adult. That said, some airlines might ask for proof of age for younger kids, so a copy of a birth certificate can be helpful, just in case.
If you are traveling with kids as a solo parent or with kids who aren’t your own, be sure to have a notarized consent letter from their other parent or guardian. When my own kids were young, they traveled from the U.S. to Canada with their dad for a short vacation. Leaving the U.S. was uneventful, but when coming back into the U.S. he faced intensive questioning at the border. Their crossing would have been much easier if we’d known he needed this document.
Boarding Pass or E-Ticket
You can’t get on the airplane without your boarding pass. It’s your ticket that shows which flight you’re on and where you’ll be seated. You can print it at home, grab it at an airport kiosk, or go paperless and pull it up on your phone using your airline’s app or an email confirmation. If you’re opting for the digital route, just make sure your phone is charged—I’ve been that person on the cusp of boarding with a dead phone in hand, and trust me, you don’t want to be stuck in line with a dead battery.
Optional but Helpful Documents
TSA PreCheck©
TSA PreCheck© is a game changer if you’re a frequent flyer—or even if you just want a less stressful airport experience. It allows you to use dedicated security lines at U.S. airports, which are usually much shorter and faster. Even better, you don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, light jacket, laptop, or liquids from your bag (though you’re still limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of liquids per container).
To get TSA PreCheck©, you’ll fill out a quick online application, pay a fee (currently starting at $77 for five years, depending on the enrollment system you use), and schedule a 10-minute in-person appointment for fingerprinting and a background check. Once you’re approved, you’ll get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to enter when you book your flight, and you’ll have a PreCheck© mark on your boarding pass. Then you can breeze through the short line at security; 99 percent of TSA PreCheck© passengers wait less than ten minutes, according to TSA.
More than 200 airports and over 90 airlines recognize TSA Precheck©. If you fly even a couple of times a year, it can save you time, stress, and a lot of hassle at the airport.
Travel Insurance Documents
Even for domestic trips, travel insurance can be a lifesaver if your plans get disrupted. Trip delays, cancellations, and lost luggage happen more than you’d think, and having that policy info handy makes filing a claim much easier. Policies vary, but most include options for trip cancellation, emergency medical care, evacuation, and 24/7 support.
Health Insurance Card
Accidents happen, and if you need to visit an urgent care center or ER while you’re away, having your health insurance card can ensure you’ll have access to medical care or avoid a hefty cash payment.
Cruise, Hotel, or Airbnb Confirmations
It’s smart to keep copies of your lodging info, either printed or saved to your phone. If there’s a booking mix-up or you’re checking in late, being able to pull up your reservation can smooth things out.
Itinerary or Trip Planner
Having a record of your itinerary is especially helpful for road trips or multi-stop adventures. Whether you use an app on your smartphone or scribble it on a notepad, having a plan in one place saves time and stress.
Apps for Easier Travel
New apps for your smartphone are being developed every day, with features that make your travel experience smoother and less stressful. These apps are available for free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store on your smartphone, though some may have a subscription fee. You’ll have many to choose from, but here are a few trusted tools that can make your trip easier:
- Airline Apps (such as Delta, Southwest, or United): These let you check in, download your boarding pass, track your flight, and get real-time updates on delays or gate changes. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay in the loop while you travel.
- Mobile Wallets (such as Apple Wallet or Google Wallet): You can store your boarding passes, ID (in some states), credit cards, and even hotel keys in one place. It saves time and cuts down on fumbling through your bag at security or boarding.
- Mobile Payment Systems (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, or PayPal): Upload your banking or credit card information into your mobile payment app and make contactless payments by tapping your phone near a card reader. You’ll have digital payment in your hand carrying nothing more than your phone.
- Trip Planning Apps (such as TripIt, Google Trips, or Wanderlog): These apps help you organize all your travel details—flights, hotels, activities—in one easy-to-read itinerary. Some can even import info straight from your email and send helpful reminders.
International Travel Documents (for U.S. citizens)
Whether it’s your first trip abroad or you’re a seasoned jetsetter, you might face surprises or challenges when you travel internationally. Being prepared with the right documents can help you avoid delays, stress, or even being denied entry to a country. Some of these documents are absolutely essential, while others just help make your trip a little smoother. Here’s our guide to what you’ll need for your next trip across the border or abroad.
Required Documents
Passport
Your U.S. passport is the most essential item you’ll need for international travel. Make sure it’s valid not just through your travel dates, but for at least six months beyond your return date—many countries require this for entry.
There are two types of U.S. passports:
- Passport Book: This is what most international travelers need. It’s valid for all international air, land, and sea travel.
- Passport Card: A less expensive alternative, but it’s only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries. It can’t be used for international air travel.
Cruise Passengers
If you’re traveling with a cruise, they may require you to have a passport book, even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the foreign country’s border agency does not. While you can use a passport card to reenter the United States at seaports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, if you can’t return to the U.S. on the cruise ship for any reason, you’ll need a passport book to fly back to the United States. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends that all cruise passengers travel with a passport book, even if it’s not required by the cruise line.
You won’t need your passport for every country your cruise stops in; that is handled by the cruise line.
Traveling With Children
If you’re traveling with children under age 16, their passport requirements are stricter. Children need consent from both parents or legal guardians and they must apply for a passport in person. Your child’s passport will only be valid for 5 years (vs. 10 years for adults).
Visa (if applicable)
A visa is permission from a country that allows you to enter for a specific purpose and length of time. Whether you need one depends on your nationality and your destination. Visas are issued for different types of stays:
- Tourist Visa: For vacations or short visits.
- Business Visa: For meetings, conferences, or short-term work.
- Student Visa: For educational programs or study abroad.
How to Apply for a Visa:
Some destination countries require you to apply for a Visa at their embassy or consulate in advance. Others offer eVisas–which you can apply for and receive online–or Visa on Arrival, where you get your visa when you land, usually after filling out a form and paying a fee.
Be sure to check the official government website of your destination for the most accurate, up-to-date visa information.
Proof of Return or Onward Travel
Some countries will ask you to show a return ticket or a ticket to another destination when you arrive. This shows that you don’t plan to overstay your visa. It’s best to have a printed or digital copy ready to show immigration officials if they ask.
Customs and Immigration Forms
Most countries require you to complete customs and immigration forms when you enter. These may be digital (using apps like Mobile Passport Control for U.S. reentry) or traditional paper forms handed out on the plane.
You may need to declare:
- Items you’re bringing into the country (especially food, large purchases, or anything over certain monetary limits)
- Large amounts of currency
- Certain medications or restricted items
- COVID-19 Requirements, if they’re still applicable–while many countries have dropped COVID-19 travel restrictions, some still require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within a specific timeframe before arrival
Check your destination’s official government website a few weeks before departure for updated requirements.
Optional but Helpful Documents
Global Entry
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that makes re-entering the United States after international travel much faster and easier. Instead of waiting in long passport control lines, you can use a dedicated kiosk to scan your passport and fingerprints—often getting through customs in just minutes. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck©, so you get speedier security screening on domestic flights too. To apply, you’ll need to complete an online application, pay a $100 fee (valid for five years), pass a background check, and attend a short interview at an enrollment center. If you travel abroad even once or twice a year, Global Entry can save you serious time and frustration.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can be a lifesaver in situations like medical emergencies, trip cancellations or delays, lost luggage or stolen items, or emergency evacuations. Make sure your policy includes 24/7 global assistance and carry a copy of the policy details with you. It’s especially important for international travel, where your regular health insurance might not apply.
Health Documentation
Some countries require proof of certain vaccinations. For example, countries in Africa and South America may require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
If you take prescription medications, carry a copy of your prescription. Ask for a note from your doctor explaining the medication if it’s something that might raise questions at customs, and keep medications in their original containers in your carry-on bag.
International Driver’s Permit (IDP)
Some countries require an International Driver’s Permit in addition to your U.S. license if you plan to drive or rent a car. You can get one through AAA or AATA. Always carry your IDP along with your driver’s license.
Copies of All Important Documents
It’s not enough to just have your original documents. If they are lost or stolen, it will be much easier to arrange for replacements or continue traveling if you carry both printed and digital copies. Be sure you have copies of your:
- Passport
- Visa
- Insurance
- Itinerary
- Prescriptions
- Credit cards (front and back)
Store digital copies in a secure cloud service that you can access online, such as Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, or OneDrive, and keep printed copies separate from your originals.
Being organized with your documents ensures you’ll have a safer and smoother trip. Start preparing early—especially for passports and visas—to avoid last-minute stress.
Tips for Using Cloud Services for Travel Documents:
- Create a folder just for travel. Label by year or trip name.
- Use PDFs for universal access. PDFs are easy to view on any device.
- Set permissions if you’re sharing. Only give access to trusted travel companions.
- Back up to more than one place. For example, Google Drive + a USB stick or offline phone storage.
- For extra security, consider storing your personal documents in an encrypted app like 1Password or Microsoft OneDrive Personal Vault.
Recommended Apps for International Travel
Having the right apps on your smartphone can make international travel easier, safer, and less stressful. Here are some of the most helpful ones to download before you go:
- Global Entry: The Global Entry Mobile App is the official app of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for Global Entry members. It streamlines the customs process when you’re returning to the U.S. by allowing you to complete your arrival processing directly from your smartphone. When you land at a participating airport, you can select your arrival airport, take a selfie for identity verification, and submit your information through the app. This process generates a digital receipt, which you’ll present to a CBP officer and bypass the traditional Global Entry kiosks. As of early 2025, the app is in use at 53 international ports of entry in the United States and all Preclearance locations, and there are plans for further expansion.
- Mobile Passport Control: Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is approved by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for anyone to use; you don’t need to be a member of Global Entry. It lets you skip the regular customs lines at many major U.S. airports when you re-enter the country. You fill out your customs declaration on your phone and get a QR code to present with your passport—no paper form required. This is not the same as Global Entry, but it can still save you time.
- Smart Traveler: Created by the U.S. Department of State, the Smart Traveler app provides up-to-date travel advisories, safety alerts, and country-specific entry requirements. You’ll also find contact info for U.S. embassies and consulates, which can be very useful if you have an emergency while traveling abroad.
- Airline and Airport Apps: Apps from your airline (like United, Delta, or American) help you check in, get digital boarding passes, track your flight status, and receive real-time updates about gate changes or delays. In addition, many airports also have their own apps that include terminal maps, food options, and security wait times.
- Cruise Line Apps: Most cruise lines have dedicated apps that enhance the cruise experience. They offer convenient features like cabin access and booking options for dining and excursions, and they provide access to onboard schedules and chat features. Downloading the app before your trip (and logging in while you still have Wi-Fi) can help you avoid tech headaches once you’re onboard.
- Currency Converter Apps: Managing money is easier with real-time currency converters like XE Currency or OANDA Currency Converter, which allow you to view live exchange rates and track multiple currencies. You can also use them offline with preloaded rates. These apps help you understand how much you’re spending and avoid being overcharged when exchanging money or shopping abroad.
- Translation Apps: Google Translate is a widely used smartphone app that allows you to translate text, voice, or even signs using your camera. You can download the languages you’ll need in advance so you can use it offline. Other options like iTranslate or Microsoft Translator also work well and offer voice conversation features.
- Secure Cloud Storage Apps: It’s a good idea to have a backup plan for your printed documents in case they are lost or stolen. Cloud storage apps like Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox store digital copies of your important documents, like your passport, visa, insurance, and trip itinerary. These apps let you access your files from anywhere, and you can share them with travel companions or keep backup copies in case something gets lost. Just be sure to use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication for added security. Set up these apps before you leave home so you’ll have peace of mind from day one.
What If You Lose Your Documents?
It’s one of every traveler’s biggest fears—losing your passport or ID. I experienced this firsthand when my then-college-age daughter flew solo to visit a friend out-of-state. She called me just hours before her return home to ask, “Mom, will they let you get on a plane without a driver’s license?” While my panicked Mom-brain thought I had lost her to Minnesota, the solution was far more palatable. With some extra TSA screening, she made it onto her plane and arrived home safely.
Flying domestically without identification is an extra hassle, but continuing your international travels without a passport is a solid “no.” A valid passport is strictly required for all international travel. If you lose your passport while you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need to get a replacement before you can return to the U.S. or continue on to another country.
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport
If you lose your passport abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate ASAP and ask to speak to the Consular Section. You may also need to file a police report, especially if it was stolen. Once you report your passport lost or stolen, it’s no longer valid. This means if you later discover it lurking at the bottom of your bag, you still have to replace it before you can continue traveling.
Embassies and consulates require an in-person appointment to issue a replacement passport, especially if it’s a non-emergency situation. In a true emergency (like a flight the next day), they may assist more quickly.
You can help the process go more smoothly by bringing the right documents. You’ll need:
- A new passport photo sized 2 x 2 inches (some embassies have photo booths or direct you to nearby places)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (a copy of your lost passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate—here’s where your cloud storage might save the day)
- A photo ID, such as a driver’s license or expired passport
- A police report if your passport was stolen (some embassies require it)
The embassy or consulate will have the forms available that you need to complete, including:
- Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport)
- Form DS-64 (Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport)
A passport replacement abroad costs the same as at home. In emergencies, they might issue a limited-validity emergency passport quickly—often the same day—and you can exchange it for a full passport later. In urgent cases, you might receive your temporary passport in as little as a few hours to a day. Otherwise, it may take several days, depending on where you are.
Most U.S. embassies and consulates cannot issue passports on weekends or holidays, but in life-or-death emergencies or if you’ve been the victim of a serious crime, you can reach out to their after-hours duty officers.
