If you’re preparing for an international trip, a passport and a visa might not be the only travel documents you need. Did you know that you must have your boarding pass printed when flying out of the Marrakesh airport? Or that you can’t fly within six months of your US passport expiring? Do you know which countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you’re planning to rent or borrow a car?
Remitly wants to save you the tears and stress of finding these things out the hard way—no one wants a dream vacation to turn into a nightmare because of missing travel documents. This guide will explain what lesser-known documents you might need and how to get them.
The importance of travel preparedness
I’m someone who is, more often than not, overly prepared. Yet even I didn’t know the rule about printing boarding passes in Marrakesh (I ended up paying $50 USD to print the documents and catch my plane on time). Now, I’m careful to research every destination’s requirements before I head to the airport.
I’ve watched more than a handful of people during my travels get sent away for not having important travel paperwork, and I felt horrible for them. Some of us save up for years to take that big trip, and all it takes is one missing document to make it all fall apart.
If you’ve ever felt the dread of being delayed at border control or denied boarding, you understand that travel preparation is about much more than just comfort—it’s about making sure your trip happens.
How missing documents ruin trips
Travel organizations and news sites frequently share cautionary tales about missing travel documents leading to travel disasters. Travelers may be denied entry because they have no proof of vaccination, or visitors may arrive in the US and find out that they don’t need a visa but they do need an ESTA.
Mistakes like these can result in rebooking flights, hotels, or entire vacations. You can even receive fines for not following the law.
Why preparation equals peace of mind
Preparation doesn’t just avoid disasters—it adds comfort to your journey. Having the correct documents means:
- Faster border crossings without panic searches for unexpected documents
- Confidence when booking services like car rentals or hotels
- Security in emergencies, such as quick hospital admittance if you’ve got proof of insurance
Overlooked travel documents you should know about
Many countries in Southeast Asia allow visitors to get visas on arrival. So even if you didn’t realize you needed a visa for Thailand, you won’t be turned away. However, waiting to apply and pay for the visa on arrival can add time to your trip.
Visas on arrival in Thailand also have a list of requirements, such as a passport photo, which many of us might not have tucked away in our bags.
Let’s take a look at some other important but lesser-known documents to consider.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Even the most seasoned traveler can be caught off guard. It’s easy to book a car rental online, but if you don’t read the fine print, you might not realize you’ll need more than just your driver’s license—you’ll need an IDP.
Without this, you risk fines, invalid insurance, or a flat-out refusal at the rental car desk.
But don’t worry, getting an IDP isn’t too hard. In the US, you can get one through AAA for a small fee. Unlike other documents that are best to renew or get early, you can’t apply for your IDP unless it’s within six months of your departure date.
Vaccine certificates and international health cards
Global health security is more important than ever after COVID-19 and lockdowns. Diseases spread increasingly quickly in today’s world, where people can travel across the globe in just a few hours.
During the COVID pandemic, carrying your vaccination cards and other information was mandatory when traveling to or from another country. This requirement remains in place for many other diseases, pandemic or not.
The CDC website lists every country with recommended or required vaccinations for entry. It is a valuable resource for knowing which vaccinations you must update or get before your trip.
How to obtain proof
- Your doctor or a licensed travel clinic can issue an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), recognized worldwide by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Some destinations require a physical yellow card as proof, and skipping this step isn’t an option. Without proof, you could be denied entry or forced into mandatory quarantine—at your own expense.
Travel insurance confirmation
Many countries today require you to have insurance and proof of funds in the bank to ensure you can fully support yourself during your stay, no matter how short.
Some countries specifically require insurance. In the Schengen Area of Europe, you’ll need insurance covering at least €30,000 EUR. US citizens traveling or studying in the Schengen Area can double-check with the embassy to see what insurance requirements are expected to be in place before departure.
Paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars upfront isn’t on anyone’s wishlist, so whether or not insurance is mandatory, it’s wise to consider it since emergencies can happen.
Platforms that simplify travel insurance
If you purchase your tickets through sites like Expedia or Orbit, they’ll also offer travel insurance. This has the added benefit of keeping all your documents together as they will come from one company.
Transit visas
You may think you don’t need any documents for a connecting flight, but many countries require transit visas even when you don’t leave the airport.
- United States – Requires ESTA or transit visa (C1 visa)
- Dubai (UAE) – Transit visas required for specific nationalities
- Australia – Enforces strict rules; a Transit Visa Subclass 771 is required even for short layovers
If you have a layover, especially a short one where time is of the essence, make sure to review the procedures for connecting to your next flight and whether a transit visa is necessary.
In some cases, obtaining a transit visa while you’re already at the check-in counter may be too late.
Customs declarations for high-value items
Suppose you’re traveling with a large sum of cash, normally over $10,000 USD, jewelry, or musical instruments of high value. In that case, you can most likely declare them before departure or fill out a form before you reach border control. Failure to declare high-value items can result in steep fines.
In the US, travelers can register items using CBP Form 4457.
Tip: Keep receipts and pictures of any items that might need to be checked, in case of loss or damage.
How to research document requirements for your destination
A quick Google search will give you a basic idea about what travel documents you’ll need, but be sure to confirm all information on the official government website of the country you’re visiting. Official websites regularly update their information as rules and regulations change, making them the best and most reliable place to look.
Use reliable resources—not forums
Forums are great for finding the best neighborhoods to visit and restaurants to try, but when it comes to understanding your travel documents, visiting the trusted sites below will save you a lot of headache.
- Embassy and consulate websites: The most accurate source for entry requirements. For US travelers, usembassy.gov lists every country’s site so you can easily navigate to the answers you need.
- IATA Travel Centre: IATA’s database is updated daily and used by airlines to verify passengers’ eligibility for entry to different countries.
- Airline apps: Major carriers like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Delta provide tailored reminders about missing documents and what you’ll need for departures and arrivals.
- Travel apps: Tools like Tripit or Kayak consolidate requirements into your itinerary.
Regulations vary by nationality, destination, and travel route. Plus, rules and regulations change over time as the world evolves. Double-check every leg of your journey to avoid major hiccups along the way.
Practical tips: how to prepare travel documents
Having the right paperwork is only half the battle—you’ll also need to organize it so you have the correct documents on hand when you need them.
Organizing physical documents
Invest in a travel wallet with compartments for passports, tickets, and insurance confirmations to avoid digging through your bag for papers. Keep the wallet in your purse or carry-on, not checked luggage. At border control, you’ll thank yourself for this easy access.
You can use this wallet to store any vaccinations or temporary visas needed, putting them in order so you can grab them easily when presenting them to the proper authorities.
It’s also a good idea to keep a duplicate set of copies—tuck them away in your carry-on or give them to your traveling partner. That way, you’re sure to have what you need, even if you spill a steaming cup of coffee right into your open bag. Accidents happen, so having a second set of copies might be worth the extra ink or money.
Digital back-ups
Scan and save copies of every document. Store these files securely on apps or encrypted cloud folders that can be shared with trusted family or friends in case of an emergency.
If you lose your passport abroad, this simple step can dramatically cut replacement time and tears.
You might also consider creating a folder in your email for all the confirmations you receive for your trip, from flights to digital visa confirmations, as you can access your email from any device in case your phone stops working or is stolen.
Pre-departure checklist
Create two checklists before your trip: one for everything you need to do or research before you go, and one for a final rundown the day before you leave.
Suggestions for your personalized checklist
- Passport valid for at least six months from the date of departure
- Required visas, including transit visas
- Vaccination certificates
- Proof of insurance
- Travel wallet for physical copies
Keep in mind that passports can take weeks to process. Renewing or updating your documents early helps ensure you have everything you need, avoiding long lines or hours on the phone scrambling to fix last-minute issues.
Insurance documents may also require reissuance, so double-check everything on your list twice to ensure no stone goes unturned!
A stress-free adventure
Many of my greatest adventures took place while traveling. It’s an exhilarating experience to see different parts of the world—and no one wants overlooked paperwork to turn excitement into frustration.
From international driving permits to transit visas, lesser-known documents are just as important as your passport.
Before your trip, make that checklist, verify requirements on embassy websites, and make all the copies you need (digital and physical) so you can focus on the fun side of travel.
Bookmark this guide for future trips and check out our other resources on traveling abroad so you’ll always be prepared.
FAQs
What are the most commonly overlooked travel documents?
The three most commonly overlooked travel documents are transit visas, international driving permits, and proof of travel insurance. These often catch travelers by surprise, causing delays or cancellations of trips.
Do all countries require a vaccine certificate for entry?
Countries can mandate vaccine certificates, especially for diseases like yellow fever. Check WHO guidelines for your destination before traveling to see which vaccinations are required before entering the country.
How do I get an International Driving Permit?
Before departing the US, make sure you apply for an international driving permit from AAA. Their website will guide you in the process so you can take the wheel once you’ve reached your destination.
Should I carry physical copies of all documents?
Yes. While having everything on your phone might appear easier, having paper documents can save you time and stress, especially because some authorities ask for printed copies.
How can I keep my documents secure?
Use a travel wallet for physical papers and cloud storage for digital copies so that you have access to all the documents needed for international travel, no matter what happens.