If you’re travelling 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 travelling 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 Programme, you must apply for authorisation to travel using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (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 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 enrol in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS). Once you’re done, enrolment 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 enrolment website.
Travel to the United Kingdom
Some visa-exempt non-citizens may be required to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK.
If you are from Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, you’ll need an ETA to travel and can apply now.
For all other countries (other than European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland), you’ll need an ETA to travel from January 8, 2025 and can apply now.
For EU or EEA countries and Switzerland, you’ll need an ETA to travel from April 2, 2025 and can apply from March.
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 Authorisation (ETA) at GOV.UK. You can also check if you need a UK visa here.
Travel to the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland
If you’re a non-EU national, you may be required to register your information when entering and leaving the Schengen territory (which includes most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). The registration process will collect your travel and passport information, biometric data (for example, a photo of your face and fingerprints), and other relevant details. To speed up the process, you can pre-register some of your information using a mobile app (if it’s offered in the country you’re visiting) or take advantage of the self-service kiosks at your border crossing point before meeting with a passport control officer.
This process is part of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and will replace passport stamps. If you’re travelling to one of these countries, we suggest giving yourself some extra time in case of any delays at the border. To learn more, go to Entry/Exit System (EES) at travel-europe.europa.eu.
Travel to Australia or Canada
An Electronic Travel Authority or Authorisation (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 Authority or Canada Electronic Travel Authorisation to get more information and apply.
Travel to New Zealand
A 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) before you leave.
Travelling with minors
If you’re travelling 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 travelling with children.
Still need help?
Get in touch or Call us – +1 833 636 4151. We’re here to help.
