Important Documents for Travel

You’ll need more than your ID to go outside the States. Don’t forget these documents for your next journey.

Medical

Many tropical countries require vaccination certificates for diseases like yellow fever. Be sure to consult a doctor a few months in advance as some of these vaccinations take time to work. Medical issues like allergies should also be on paper, in addition to medical insurance information if treatment is necessary.

Passport

Don’t forget to renew an old one, since passports should be valid for six months after you return. For much of Europe, this is the only document you’ll need to have. Some countries will require a visa stamp to enter. Most of Europe does not require this, but for other destinations the process may take months so be sure to plan ahead.

Tickets

E-tickets are commonplace, but they might not pass an immigration desk. Have a printed copy in case you lose your boarding pass, and it’s a good idea to have all your critical information on paper as backup.