Passports, Visas and Entry Rules: What to Check Before You Fly
Entry rules vary by country and change over time. Here’s what to check, and where to confirm it, well before you fly.
Key points
- Check your passport’s expiration date first; many countries require it to be valid for several months after your trip.
- Find out whether you need a visa or an electronic travel authorization, even for a short visit.
- Confirm current entry requirements on official sources, such as travel.state.gov and the destination’s government website.
- Start early, since passport renewals and visas can take time to process.
Few things end a trip faster than being turned away at check-in. Entry rules differ from country to country and change over time, so it pays to check them early and confirm them with official sources. This guide covers what to look at; the official websites tell you the current details.
Start with your passport
Look at your passport today, even if the trip is months away:
- Expiration date: many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your planned departure from that country.
- Blank pages: some countries require a minimum number of empty pages for entry stamps.
- Condition: a damaged passport can be refused.
If you need to renew, start well ahead of your trip. Processing times vary, and expedited options may cost more.
Check visas and travel authorizations
Depending on your nationality and destination, you may need:
| Requirement | What it is | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
| No visa | Visa-free entry for a limited stay | Nothing to apply for, but rules on length of stay still apply |
| Electronic travel authorization | An online approval required before arrival | Before booking or well before departure |
| Visa | Formal permission to enter, issued by the destination | Often weeks or months ahead |
Heads up
Requirements can change. Confirm the current rules for your destination on travel.state.gov and the destination’s official government website before you travel, rather than relying on older articles or forums.
Look at other entry conditions
Some destinations may also ask for:
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Proof of accommodation or sufficient funds
- Specific documents for minors traveling with one parent or without parents
- Health-related requirements in certain cases
Prepare your documents
- Make copies of your passport and key documents, stored separately from the originals.
- Save digital copies somewhere secure that you can access offline.
- Keep booking confirmations and any approvals easy to find at check-in.
- US citizens can enroll trips in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive safety updates.
Domestic flights still need ID
For flights within the US, you don’t need a passport, but you do need an accepted form of identification. Check the TSA’s list of accepted IDs before you fly.
Before you book
Check your passport, confirm visa and authorization rules on official websites, and give yourself time for any applications. Our guide on how far ahead to plan a trip helps you fit this into your timeline.
Questions travelers ask
How long does my passport need to be valid for international travel?
It depends on the destination. Many countries require several months of validity beyond your travel dates, and some also require blank pages. Check the country’s entry requirements before you book.
What is an electronic travel authorization?
It’s an online approval that some countries require before visitors arrive, even when a full visa isn’t needed. It’s usually applied for online before travel.
Do I need a passport for flights within the US?
No, but you need acceptable identification. Check the TSA’s list of accepted IDs, since a standard driver’s license must meet REAL ID requirements to be used at airport security.