International Travel Documents

When traveling internationally, you might need travel documents like a passport, travel visa, ETA, or ESTA. Without the proper documents, some countries may not allow you to enter. To avoid any extra fees or delays, it's a good idea to get your travel documents well before your trip.

We've put together a list of common documents you may need. Still, it's important to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting for the full list of requirements.

All international travel

Passports

A passport is a government-issued ID in the form of a passbook and is valid for all international travel.

Visas

A travel visa allows you to enter and leave a specific country. You might need separate visas for each port or connection on your trip. Some countries don't require a visa, but it's important to check ahead of time.

Travel to the United States

ESTA

If you're entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you need to apply for travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). It's best to apply at least 72 hours (about 3 days) before your departure. You can apply online and find more details at the US Department of Homeland Security.

EVUS

If you're a citizen or national of the People's Republic of China (PRC), have a 10-year US visitor visa (class B1, B2, or B1/B2), and plan to travel to the United States, you need to enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS). After enrollment, it's valid for multiple trips over 2 years or until your passport or visa expires. Learn more at the EVUS enrollment website.

Travel to the United Kingdom

Some visa-exempt non-citizens might need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the UK.

• If you're from Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates, you'll need an ETA and can apply now.
• For other countries (except European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and Switzerland), an ETA will be required starting January 8, 2025, and you can apply now.
• For EU, EEA countries, and Switzerland, an ETA will be required starting April 2, 2025, with applications opening in March.

You can apply through the UK ETA app or online at GOV.UK. It usually takes about 3 business days to get a decision.

For more details, visit Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at GOV.UK. You can also check if you need a UK visa here.

Travel to the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland

If you're a non-EU national, you may need to register your details when entering and leaving the Schengen area (which includes most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). This registration collects your travel and passport information, biometric data (like a photo and fingerprints), and other relevant details. To make things quicker, you can pre-register some information using a mobile app (if available in the country you're visiting) or use self-service kiosks at the border before seeing a passport control officer.

This is part of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and will replace passport stamps. If you're traveling to these countries, it's a good idea to allow extra time in case of border delays. For more information, visit Entry/Exit System (EES) at travel-europe.europa.eu.

Travel to Australia or Canada

An Electronic Travel Authority or Authorization (ETA) is needed for non-citizens traveling to Australia and for visa-exempt travelers to Canada. Once approved, it's linked electronically to your passport, so you don't need to carry extra documents. For more information and to apply, visit Australia Electronic Travel Authority or Canada Electronic Travel Authorization.

Travel to New Zealand

A New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required for visa-exempt travelers entering New Zealand. You'll also likely need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) before your trip.

Traveling with minors

When traveling with minors, you might need notarized documents and letters of permission if both parents aren't present. It's best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting.

For example, South Africa requires minors to have their birth certificate along with their passport. For more details, see South Africa's regulations for traveling with children.