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.

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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.

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All international travel:

• Passport: A passport is a government-issued ID in the form of a passbook (valid for all international travel). Apply several months in advance for a new passport. If you already have one, it should be valid for at least six months after you return home and have two or more blank pages, depending on your destination. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

• Children’s passports: Passports issued for children under age 16 are valid for only five years, not 10 years like adult passports. Check passport expiration dates carefully and renew early.

• 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.

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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 ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). You should apply at least 72 hours (about 3 days) before departure. You can apply online here.

• 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 EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System). 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 website.

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Travel to Australia or Canada:

• ETA: (Electronic Travel Authority or Authorization) 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 Authority or Canada Electronic Travel Authorization to get more information and apply.

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Travel to New Zealand:

• An NZeTA: (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) 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) before you leave.

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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 children.

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Additional important information:

• Safeguard your documents: You must safeguard your documents! Make two copies of all your travel documents in case of emergency. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative at home and carry the other separately from your original documents. To help prevent theft, do not carry your passport in your back pocket, and keep it separate from your money.

• Medications: Some prescription drugs, including narcotics and some U.S. over-the-counter medications, are illegal in other countries. Check with the embassy of your destination(s) about regulations and documentation before you travel.

• Consent for Travel with Minors: If you are traveling alone with children, foreign border officials may require custody documents or notarized written consent from the other parent. Check with the embassy of your foreign destination before traveling to see what you may need.

• International Driving Permit: Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license, but most accept an International Driving Permit (IDP). You may also need supplemental auto insurance. Read more about driving and road safety abroad before you go.

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It is ultimately your responsibility to check and ensure compliance with visa requirements. This includes applying for the appropriate visas and providing all necessary documentation.