International travel documents

If you’re traveling internationally, you may need travel documents such as a passport, travel visa, ETA, or ESTA. If you don’t have the right documents, many countries will deny you entry. To help you avoid any added fees or delays, we recommend you obtain your travel documents well in advance of your trip.

To help you out, we’ve gathered a list of some common documents you may need. However, you’ll still need to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you’re traveling to for a complete list of requirements.

All international travel

Passports

A passport is a government-issued ID in the form of a passbook (valid for all international travel).

Visas

A travel visa lets you enter and depart a specific country. You may need to get separate visas for each individual port or connection on your itinerary. Some countries don’t require one at all, but it’s important to always check in advance.

Travel to the United States

ESTA

If you wish to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for authorization to travel using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). You should apply at least 72 hours (about 3 days) before departure. You can apply online and get details at the US Department of Homeland SecurityUS Department of Homeland Security.

EVUS

If you’re a citizen or national of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), have a 10-year US visitor visa (class B1, B2, or B1/B2), and are planning to travel to the United States, you’re required to enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS). Once you’re done, enrollment should be valid for multiple trips over a period of 2 years or until your passport or visa expires. To learn more, visit the EVUS enrollment websiteEVUS enrollment website.

Travel to the United Kingdom

Some visa-exempt non-citizens may be required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the UK.

If you’re from Qatar, you’ll need an ETA starting November 15, 2023. You can begin applying October 25, 2023.

If you’re from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates, you’ll need an ETA starting February 22, 2024. You can begin applying February 1, 2024.

Are you from another country? You don’t need to apply now, but other countries will be added in the future.

You can apply through the UK ETA app or online at GOV.UK, and it usually takes about 3 business days to get a decision.

For more information, go to Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at GOV.UK. You can also check if you need a UK visa herecheck if you need a UK visa here.

Travel to Australia or Canada

An Electronic Travel Authority or Authorization (ETA) is required for non-citizens to travel to Australia and for visa-exempt non-citizens to travel to Canada. Once you’re approved, it’s electronically linked to your passport, so you won’t need to carry an extra document. Head over to Australia Electronic Travel AuthorityAustralia Electronic Travel Authority or Canada Electronic Travel AuthorizationCanada Electronic Travel Authorization to get more information and apply.

Travel to New Zealand

A New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required for visa-exempt non-citizens to enter New Zealand. You’ll also likely have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) before you leave.

Traveling with minors

If you’re traveling with minors, you may need to provide notarized documentation and letters of permission if both parents are not present. You should confirm this with the embassy or consulate of the country you’re visiting.

South Africa requires minors to provide their birth certificate in addition to their passport. For more information, review South Africa’s regulations for traveling with childrenregulations for traveling with children.