Determining which documents to bring on vacation requires careful planning. But rest assured that every trip needs some sort of paperwork.

Proper documentation ensures smooth travel experiences, particularly when crossing international borders or encountering unexpected situations. Being well-prepared with the right paperwork can save time and prevent complications during your trip.

Even so, it's easy to forget. So we made an easy-to-use tool to create your own travel documents checklist based on your own trip scenarios. Give it a try!

Let's take a closer look at the documents you might need:

1. Your passport

If you're traveling overseas you must A) get a passport, B) bring it with you and C) make sure it's valid for when you're traveling and beyond.

The requirement for some countries is that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

This requirement exists because things can happen when you travel, good and bad, and six months is a prudent timeframe for things to happen when you're traveling.

Suppose you love Porto so much that you decide to be a digital nomad for a while. Having a passport that's valid for six months past your travel date gives you the leeway to try it.

Bringing your passport is Job One, but it's just a start. To make sure you're truly safe in terms of this vital travel document, you should:

• Make multiple copies of your passport, keep one in your luggage, keep another somewhere safe, and keep one back home with a friend or relative; and/or
• Scan your passport and keep a digital copy in a safe location; and/or
• Use something like the Passport app to electronically store your passport.

And what if you lose your passport? It's a big deal, but it's less of a big deal than you think, especially if you have travel protection. The travel assistance offered with every Generali Global Assistance plan can help you secure a new passport.

Otherwise, contact the nearest embassy or consulate and have them help you get a replacement.

Don't know where the embassy or consulate is?

• Look it up before you leave and put the information in your phone, but also print a copy to tuck in your backpack or back pocket; and
• Join STEP, the State Department's safe-traveler program. When you input your destination STEP will automatically populate embassy and consulate info and let embassy staff know you'll be traveling to their country. (Just remember you have to do a new STEP application for each country you visit.)

Also Read: Your Easy Guide to Getting a Passport for You and Your Child

2. Other travel documents

Some countries require American travelers to get a visa or other special travel document in addition to a passport.

For instance, Egypt and China require visas, India and Brazil require e-visas, Australia requires a special digital document, and the Schengen Area in Europe has its own ETIAS system.

You should carry copies of these in multiple formats – documents scanned to your phone and e-docs printed out. Carry copies for your kids as well.

3. Traveling with children

When traveling with children, especially internationally, proper documentation is crucial to prevent delays. This becomes even more important when traveling with children who aren't your own biological children.

If you're traveling with your own children:

• Bring original birth certificates that show parentage
• If you're a single parent traveling alone with your child, it's highly recommended to carry a notarized letter of consent from the other parent
• Carry custody documents if applicable (court orders, legal guardianship papers)
• Consider having your child carry their own identification, even for domestic travel

If you're traveling with children who aren't your own (grandchildren, nieces/nephews, or friends' children):

• A notarized letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians is essential
• The letter should include contact information for the parents, your relationship to the child, travel dates and destinations, and permission for you to authorize medical treatment if needed
• Bring copies of the child's birth certificate and health insurance cards
• Carry a copy of both parents' identification
• For international travel, some countries may require additional documentation or have specific forms

Always check with the destination country's embassy or consulate about their specific requirements for minors traveling with non-parents before your trip.

4. Traveling with pets

Bringing pets across borders requires careful preparation and documentation to ensure they won't be quarantined or denied entry.

Essential pet travel documents include:

• Pet passport or international health certificate (typically issued within 10 days of travel)
• Proof of rabies vaccination and other required immunizations
• Microchip documentation (many countries require ISO-compliant microchips)
• Import permits for certain countries
• Proof of treatments for parasites (required by many countries)

For air travel, even domestically:

• Airline-specific pet health certificate (usually required within 10 days of travel)
• Acclimation certificate for certain weather conditions
• Emotional support or service animal documentation, if applicable

Research your destination's specific requirements well in advance, as some countries have waiting periods after vaccinations or specific testing requirements that can take months to complete.

Also read: The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Vacationing With Your Dog

5. Prescriptions

Prescription medications are essential to maintain your health while traveling. Running out of necessary medication in an unfamiliar location can lead to health complications and significantly disrupt your travel plans. Additionally, some countries have strict regulations regarding medication imports, making proper documentation crucial.

You should carry copies of prescriptions for your entire traveling party, in case someone loses their medications, your stay runs over and you need a refill, or you need proof for authorities. Copies of prescriptions are also useful if you need medical treatment, and you're asked what medications you're taking.

Like you do with your passport, make multiple copies for every member of your traveling party. Keep one copy in your luggage and one on your person.

For international travel with medications:

• Keep medications in their original, labeled containers
• Bring a letter from your doctor describing your condition and why you need the medication
• Check if your medication is legal at your destination (some common U.S. medications are controlled substances elsewhere)
• Carry only the amount needed for your trip plus a small buffer for delays

Also Read: 10 Tips for Traveling With Medication: Prescriptions, Flying, Insurance and More

6. Digital nomads and extended stays

For those planning to work remotely from another country or stay for an extended period, additional documentation may be required.

Consider bringing:

• Proof of income or employment (letter from employer, recent pay stubs)
• Proof of accommodation for your entire stay
• Return ticket or proof of onward travel
• Specific digital nomad visa documentation if your destination offers this option
• Tax residency documentation from your home country
• Proof of health insurance with international coverage
• Bank statements showing sufficient funds

Also Read: How Digital Nomads Can Benefit From Travel Protection

7. Itineraries

Does the boat sail at 3 or at 5? This is useful information to have at hand.

If you're on a tour or cruise or any kind of trip where there are meet-up times for a group, having a copy of an itinerary on your person is essential. This applies to everyone in your party.

Because sometimes you forget your phone, have a hard copy in your pants pocket. Because sometimes you forget your pants, keep a copy on your phone.

Also Read: 6 Tips to Help Plan Any Trip

8. Emergency contacts

All this paper we're having you carry may make you feel like you're living in the Gilded Age. Not true, though it's best if you write down this information using a quill pen and oak-gall ink. Papyrus, if you have it.

We recommend having written copies because, if you trust everything to your phone and your phone is stolen, what then?

What sorts of contacts should you write down?

• Family
• Friends
• Credit-card companies/banks
• Doctors/medical facilities/pharmacies
• Travel insurance assistance line
• Airline/boat/train customer service
• Hotel concierge
• Travel agent

This is a good start. Honestly, anyone you might need to contact while you're gone, even if it's just to order pizza for the cat-sitter, write it down. You never know what you might need when you travel.

Traveling with kids? Give them a copy of important contacts, too, and have them carry it at all times.

9. Even more travel documents

You're not done! Use those extra pockets for documents like:

• Travel protection plan
• Insurance cards
• Driver's license
• Special medical documents (doctor's notes, medical records summaries, medical alert cards, disability documentation)
• Proof of vaccinations (especially relevant for international travel to certain regions)
• International driving permit (if you plan to drive abroad)

You may need a copy of your birth certificate to get a substitute passport, but that's one to make a copy of and leave home, even if you can write a whole bunch of phone numbers on the back.

When you carry a travel protection plan with you, make sure it's for the travel insurance plus assistance services offered by Generali Global Assistance. Our plans have the flexibility and coverage options you need.

Get a quote today.

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