When you travel, it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure you have all of the required documents for your destination. Below are some helpful tips and websites to check before you go.

• Make photocopies of all important documents. Email yourself a copy or save it to your phone. It will be much easier to replace documents or continue on your travels if you have a photocopy if something gets lost, damaged, or stollen.
• If your travel documents get lost or stolen, report the loss to local authorities and get a police report if required. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate for a replacement passport.

Passports:

• Many countries require passports to be valid (not expire) for 6 months post return on your trip. It is safest to follow this as a general rule wherever you are traveling. When you book a trip, calculate 6 months after your trip return date and check and make sure your passport is good for that entire time. If not, go ahead and renew immediately.
• Children’s passports are only valid for 5 years (until age 16). Both parents must be present at passport appointment (or more documentation is needed).
• Passports are required for all international travel (not required for travel within the 50 US states, US Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico.)
• US passport website- check here for up to date information on applying, renewing, needed documents, and wait times.

Real ID:

• A REAL ID is a driver’s license or identification card that meets federal security standards.
• Beginning May 7, 2025, a REALID will be required for boarding an commercial aircraft, including for domestic flights. If you do not have a REALID, you can travel with a valid passport on domestic flights.
• If you do not have a REALID or a valid passport, schedule a DMV appointment now to get your compliant ID before the changes take effect in May. See all acceptable documents here.
• When going to a REALID appointment, double check your state’s requirements for documentation. You generally have to bring more documentation than to a normal driver’s license appointment.

ETA for UK travel:

• An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital permit that allows non-visa-required travelers to visit the United Kingdom. It’s part of the UK’s move to a digital border system
• Currently required for anyone who does not require a visa traveling to or through UK
• It is valid for 2 years or until passport expires, whichever happens first
• Application fee is £10. Everyone traveling, including babies and children, must have a valid ETA.
• You will need your passport, access to your emails, and a credit card to apply.
• See all information about how to apply here.

ETIAS:

• ETIAS is European Travel Information and Authorization System
• ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.
• ETIAS is not currently in effect but is due to start in mid 2025.
• Check back here for updates on effective date.