International Travel Documents You Need Before You Go

You’ve booked the flights. The hotel looks perfect. The countdown is officially on.

And yet, some of the most stressful travel moments don’t happen on the trip… they happen at the airport, at check-in, or at immigration because of one tiny, overlooked detail.

If you’re looking for a broader, timeline-based approach to trip planning (what to think about at 90 days, 60 days, 30 days, and right before departure), you’ll also want to bookmark our full guide here: https://wheretogotravelco.com//2025/01/10/travel-checklist-how-to-prep-for-your-next-trip/

Passport Requirements for International Travel: More Than Just an Expiration Date

Your passport might technically be valid—but that doesn’t always mean it’s usable.

Before you travel, it’s worth doing a quick but thorough check. Many countries require your passport to be valid at least six months beyond your return date, and some also require one to two completely blank pages for entry stamps. Physical condition matters, too: torn pages, water damage, or even a bent cover can lead to denied boarding, regardless of the expiration date.

If your passport expires within the next year, renewing early can save you from running into destination specific rules that vary by country.

Global Entry & TSA PreCheck Expiration: What to Check Before You Travel

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are fantastic time-savers—until they quietly expire.

Both programs typically run for five years, and it’s surprisingly easy to forget renewal dates when life gets busy. An expired membership means regular security lines and longer waits, even if you’ve had the benefit for years.

You can check your status (and renewal eligibility) by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs account here: https://ttp.dhs.gov/

One quick reminder: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck, but TSA PreCheck does not include Global Entry.

Entry Requirements, Visas & Entry Forms by Country

Some destinations require more than just a passport for entry, and these rules can change with little notice.

Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need to complete an online entry form, obtain a tourist visa in advance, or apply for an ETA or eVisa linked directly to your passport. Airlines are required to enforce these rules before boarding, which means issues often surface at the airport—not at arrival.

The most reliable places to check current requirements are: – The destination country’s official government or tourism website – The U.S. State Department’s country-specific travel pages: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel.html

This is one of the most common (and stressful) places travelers get caught off guard.

Required Vaccinations for International Travel

Some destinations require proof of specific vaccinations for entry—not just recommendations.

For example, certain countries require yellow fever certificates or have region-specific health requirements that must be met before arrival. Even when vaccinations aren’t mandatory, understanding what’s recommended well in advance can help you avoid last-minute scrambles.

A reliable place to review both required and recommended vaccines is the CDC’s Travelers’ Health website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Your healthcare provider or a travel clinic can also help you determine what’s appropriate for your itinerary.

Customs & Immigration Process: What to Expect When You Arrive

After landing, most international trips follow this general flow:

1. Immigration (passport and entry documents)
2. Baggage claim
3. Customs declaration

While the process itself is usually straightforward, travelers often forget a few important details. Some countries require paper or digital customs forms to be completed in advance or upon arrival. Declaring items isn’t a problem, but failing to declare food, alcohol, or higher-value purchases can be. Knowing what to expect ahead of time makes arrival smoother and far less intimidating.

Traveling with Children: Documents Families Often Overlook

Family travel comes with a few extra documentation details that are easy to miss—especially if this isn’t your child’s first international trip.

Children need their own valid passport for international travel; they cannot travel on a parent’s passport.

It’s also important to note that children’s passports have a shorter validity period than adult passports. Passports issued to children under age 16 are valid for five years, compared to ten years for adults— making it much easier for a child’s passport to expire sooner than expected.

If a child is traveling with only one parent, a grandparent, or another adult, some countries strongly recommend (and occasionally require) a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s). While this isn’t always checked, it can be requested by immigration officials.

It’s also important to verify whether any destination-specific entry forms, visas, or health requirements apply to children, as these can differ from adult requirements.

A Quick Pre-Trip Prep Checklist (Save This)

If you want a simple, last-minute gut check before an international trip, start here:

• Confirm passport validity, physical condition (no tears or bends), and required blank pages
• Verify destination-specific entry requirements, visas, and forms at https://travel.state.gov/
• Check Global Entry and TSA PreCheck expiration at https://ttp.dhs.gov/
• Review required and recommended vaccinations on the CDC Travelers’ Health site: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
• Understand basic customs and immigration procedures for your destination
• For families, confirm children’s passport validity and any consent documentation if applicable

Important note: Entry requirements, health regulations, and documentation rules are determined by governments and are subject to change. While we guide our clients using trusted official sources at the time of booking and pre-travel preparation, travelers are ultimately responsible for ensuring they meet all entry requirements for their destination.

Ready to Travel with Confidence?

When you plan an international trip with Where To Go Travel Co, document requirements and entry details aren’t an afterthought—they’re part of the process. We guide our clients through destination-specific considerations so nothing important is overlooked along the way.

If an international trip is on your wish list, we’d love to help you plan it with clarity, confidence, and ease, so you can focus on the experience, not the fine print.

In addition to all-inclusive resort stays in the Caribbean and Mexico, we also plan international trips with our preferred travel partners:

• Adventures by Disney
• AmaWaterways River Cruises
• Viking River Cruises
• Tauck
• Privately Guided Tours with Kensington Tours