What travel documents do I need to enter?
Driver's license, passport, and travel visa
These documents are required for most forms of travel.
Driver's license, passport, and travel visa
These documents are required for most forms of travel.
A passport is required for all international travel. If you're traveling anywhere overseas, you need a passport to board an international flight and to enter the country. Passport cards will not be accepted as form of I.D. for international air travel.
All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.
Passports and visasEN••• are the most widely used forms of travel documents. Some States also accept certain identity cards or other documents, such as residence permitsEN•••.
Generally, it is necessary to have a valid passport if you want to travel abroad. Depending on the country and your citizenship, you may also need to show proof of a valid eVisa, online visa, or visa.
Typically, you only need to print documents which are shown as an Annex at the end of your documents which state that they are a voucher, as long as you have access to all the required information via your mobile phone or tablet.
Departure requirements
A secure document is a passport, U.S. permanent resident card, or Stateless travel document, Re-Entry Permit, NEXUS card, U.S Merchant Mariner Card, military ID or emergency travel document issued by an embassy or consulate.
Is a Travel Document a Passport or Visa? A travel document is any document you need to cross borders. In the case of traveling to the US from another country, you need a passport and a visa. The visa is a document inside your passport that provides more details and freedoms for your time in the US.
U.S. nationals, including U.S. dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. U.S. dual nationals may also be required by the country of their foreign nationality to use that country's passport to enter and leave that country.
Do you go through customs when leaving the US?
Final Thoughts. If you are wondering “do you go through customs when leaving the U.S.”, the answer is no. All countries have customs inspection procedures at borders and international airports. However, only passengers entering a country are subject to customs inspection.
Foreign visitors to the U.S. no longer need to complete paper Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or Form I-94W Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Record.

You can't leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand, so you should expect to spend the 3–5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States. Theoretically, you could be out of the United States for as long as you have a travel document (one year plus renewals).
In a nutshell, U.S. and Canadian citizens older than 16 years old have to show a passport, passport card or another accepted document to cross back into the U.S. Children under 16 may show an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, a Canadian ...
The American Citizen Services Section wants to remind all U.S. citizens not to travel outside the United States without a valid U.S. passport. While dual citizens may be able to travel abroad with alternative documentation, all U.S. citizens are required to present a U.S. passport to re-enter the United States.
A travel document looks like a white passport. To reenter the United States, the resident possessing the travel document must present the original at the port of entry to the United States.
U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.
It may be issued on the spot or within two days. Note: Emergency U.S. passports are not valid for travel through many countries, including France, Belgium, Holland and the Arab Emirates. It is important to clarify this in advance of your trip.
If you are outside the U.S. for one year or longer
Use Form I-131 - Application for Travel Document. For permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. For conditional permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years after the date of issue.
My green card has been lost or stolen and I have been outside the U.S. for less than one year. If your green card has been lost or stolen and you are not in possession of any of the above documents, then you need a boarding foil in order to travel to and re-enter the United States.
Can I show documents on my phone at airport?
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in Addendum to AVSEC Circular No. 15/2017 dated 27th October 2018, has directed that government documents/id proofs issued in the DigiLocker app such as Aadhaar, PAN and driving license shall be accepted as valid identity proof for entering the airport premises at the time of departure.
A travel document is a form of identification that governments give to citizens or visitors so they can cross international borders. The U.S. government issues many different types of travel documents. The type of travel document you need depends on your immigration status and the purpose of your trip.
I am applying for a re-entry permit (Application Type A) and I am: | Filing Fee | Biometric Services |
---|---|---|
13 or younger | $575 | $0 |
14 to 79 | $575 | $85 |
80 or older | $575 | $0 |
Earlier I asked you to print three copies of your travel documents tickets and vouchers. You will also want to photocopy your passport, “which pages?” you ask. Just one page of your picture and details. Also a copy of your driver's license, international license, student card, credit card and travel insurance.
- U.S. Virgin Islands. ...
- Vieques, Puerto Rico. ...
- Culebra, Puerto Rico. ...
- San Juan, Puerto Rico. ...
- Whistler, British Columbia. ...
- Quebec City, Canada. ...
- Toronto, Canada. ...
- Cape Breton Island, Canada.
If your passport's time is almost up, don't wait — start the renewal process now. You can't travel while your renewal application is being processed, and you need to make sure your travel documents are valid for at least six months past the dates of any planned international trips.
U.S. citizens have the right to enter the United States, so if you are a U.S. citizen and the officers' questions become intrusive, you can decline to answer those questions, but you should be aware that doing so may result in delay and/or further inspection.
However, citizens are not permitted to fly to the US with only a birth certificate under any circumstances. Minors crossing the border with their birth certificate must provide an original or certified copy of their document.
Two Passports
As a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen and also a citizen of New Zealand, you can travel more easily between these two countries.
- Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise.
- Complete the online form at a Global Entry kiosk. (Only preapproved Global Entry members are allowed to use these kiosks.)
- Complete the online form at an Automated Passport Control kiosk.
When you go through customs do you have to go back through security?
You have to clear security after going through immigration
If you have a connecting flight to another destination (whether in the United States or international), you'll once again have to clear security.
- Anything you bought (including from duty-free shops or on a ship or airplane)
- Anything you inherited or received as a gift (you'll have to estimate the fair market price of the gift)
- Anything you brought home for a friend.
- Anything you plan to use or sell in your business.
Everyone entering the U.S. needs an I-94 or I-94W form except: American citizens.
If you don't, the customs officials in the receiving country may reject and return (or, in certain cases, may even destroy) your package. Note: If you're mailing First-Class Mail International® service envelopes containing only documents that don't require customs forms, these new rules don't apply to you.
Trusted Traveler Program Enrollment
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.
The travel signature is required to return to the U.S. It is not required to depart the U.S.
An applicant applying for naturalization under INA 316, which requires 5 years of continuous residence, must then wait at least 4 years and 1 day after returning to the United States (whenever 364 days or less of the absence remains within the statutory period), to have the requisite continuous residence to apply for ...
What do I need to travel to Mexico by car? Along with the essential steps facing anyone crossing an international border, here's what you need to drive your car into Mexico as a U.S. citizen, as advised by the U.S. State Department: Your U.S. passport or U.S. passport card. Your state-issued driver's license.
Can you cross the Mexican border with a birth certificate? Birth certificates are only acceptable as forms of identification for minors traveling to Mexico by road or closed-loop cruises.
Q: Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel? No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.
What is the difference between a travel document and a passport?
Is a Travel Document a Passport or Visa? A travel document is any document you need to cross borders. In the case of traveling to the US from another country, you need a passport and a visa. The visa is a document inside your passport that provides more details and freedoms for your time in the US.
The blue passport book, alternately referred to as the Regular or Tourist passport, is the most commonly issued U.S. passport. Diplomatic - Black diplomatic passports are issued to Foreign Service Officers and other persons with diplomatic or comparable status.
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler's passport, a travel document issued by the traveler's country of citizenship.
Proof of confirmed travel plans can be plane ticket confirmation, business letter, or employment letter from the business HR Department. Plane Ticket or Flight Confirmation. You can submit a copy of your flight itinerary, plane ticket, plane e-ticket, or any other flight confirmation.
Planning Your Trip. The travel document usually arrives within 150 days (sometimes longer) after submitting your application. You can't leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand, so you should expect to spend the 3–5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States.
5 different types of U.S. passports
However, only the Regular "Fee" passports can be used for personal travel. Regular "fee" passports. These blue passports are the most commonly issued. They are also known as "tourist" or Type P passports because they are for personal use.
A passport is a document issued by your federal government as identification, particularly for travelling across borders. A visa is a document issued by a destination country showing the traveler has permission to be there.
- Best Places to Travel Without a US Passport. You can travel without a passport in the following countries: ...
- Puerto Rico. ...
- US Virgin Islands. ...
- Northern Mariana Islands. ...
- American Samoa. ...
- Guam. ...
- Canada. ...
- Mexico.
References
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/usa-apply-for-a-uk-visa/apply-for-a-uk-visa-in-the-usa
- https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/before-you-leave-for-the-uk
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/financial-evidence-for-student-and-child-student-route-applicants
- https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/06/12/eu-tourists-could-soon-have-to-apply-for-permission-to-travel-before-entering-the-uk
- https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/travel-documents
- https://www.handyvisas.com/faq/difference-between-eta-and-evisa/
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
- https://www.akbartravels.com/visa/uk-visa
- https://in.pinterest.com/lettersandforms/authorization-letters/
- https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/documentation-requirements/international.html
- https://www.cappex.com/articles/applications/how-request-college-application-fee-wavier
- https://immigrationlawyers-london.com/blog/how-to-track-your-uk-visa-application-status.php
- https://www.davidsonmorris.com/is-there-a-uk-visitor-visa-180-days-rule/
- https://www.bajabound.com/before/returning/uspassport
- https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94
- https://mozo.com.au/insurance/travel-insurance/guides/travel-document-checklist
- https://www.visapro.com/resources/article/immigration-inspection-at-us-port-of-entry/
- https://www.atlys.com/post/visa-free-countries-for-us-passport-holders
- https://www.fileright.com/blog/what-are-travel-documents/
- https://iasservices.org.uk/how-much-bank-statement-for-uk-visit-visa/
- https://www.dhs.gov/archive/real-id-public-faqs
- https://sk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-waiver-program/faqs-about-visa-waiver-program-and-esta/
- https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1056&top=16
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ireland.html
- https://www.frommers.com/tips/entry-requirements-customs/what-to-know-about-the-uks-new-application-requirement-and-entry-fee-for-visitors
- https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/european-migration-network-emn/emn-asylum-and-migration-glossary/glossary/travel-document_en
- https://chaimvchessed.com/information/american-citizenship/emergency-passport/
- http://www.bristol.ac.uk/directory/visas/tier-4/apply/money/
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html
- https://visaguide.world/visa-free-countries/us-passport/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/what-is-a-type-p-passport
- https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-administration/immigration/applying-for-visa/student-visa/applying/outside-uk/application-process/non-eu-eea-swiss-nationals/complete-application-online
- https://www.visalogic.net/uk/applying-from-usa/4/149
- https://www.progressive.com/answers/passports-101/
- https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
- https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-d-chapter-3
- https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/montreal/index.php/en/foreigners/visa/355-what-documents-do-i-need-to-enter-mexico
- https://www.iata.org/en/publications/newsletters/iata-knowledge-hub/the-most-important-travel-documents-for-your-trip/
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/UnitedKingdom.html
- https://people.howstuffworks.com/us-customs-service4.htm
- https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/07/20/worlds-most-powerful-passport-germany-italy-and-spain-move-up-into-second-place
- https://www.traveltips4trip.com/international-travel-document-checklist/
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19
- https://www.interexchange.org/articles/travel-abroad/etias-authorization-for-european-travel/
- https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/your-trip
- https://blog.myrawealth.com/insights/travel-document-number
- https://www.usa.gov/arrival-departure-record
- https://www.uscis.gov/i-131
- https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/what-expect-when-you-return
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/us-mexicoborder.html
- https://www.cheapair.com/blog/10-tips-for-your-first-international-flight/
- https://www.lloydsbank.com/legal/proof-of-identity.html
- https://visaguide.world/europe/uk-visa/requirements/
- https://visaguide.world/moving-to/uk/from-usa/
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mexico.html
- https://fr.usembassy.gov/services/travel-to-france/
- https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/customs-immigration/how-long-does-it-take-to-renew-a-passport
- https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/global/news/uk-to-introduce-entry-fee-for-travellers/
- https://www.fastportpassport.com/resources/proof-of-travel-examples/
- https://blog.bit.ai/letter-of-authorization/
- https://www.internationalstudents.cam.ac.uk/dependant-visas
- https://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/us/photos/no-passport-required
- https://visaguide.world/tips/where-can-i-travel-without-a-passport/
- https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor
- https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-796?language=en_US
- https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/gbr/faq
- https://www.progressive.com/lifelanes/adventure/travel-document-checklist/
- https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/help-support/ourinfo/bookAppointment
- https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/do-i-need-real-id-if-im-flying-internationally
- https://py.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/274/2017/05/CAHeader-TYPES-OF-PASSPORTS-Nov-22-2016.pdf
- https://iasservices.org.uk/tourist-visit-visas/
- https://govisafree.com/living-in-uk-vs-us/
- https://www.boundless.com/blog/u-s-citizens-visa-travel-to-europe-2024/
- https://www.olender.pro/Immigration/Family%20Immigration%20and%20Removal/Adjustment%20and%20Citizenship/Advance%20Parole
- https://www.derby.ac.uk/life/international-students/applicants/visas-and-immigration/once-your-visa-has-been-granted/
- https://learn.simplecitizen.com/immigration-support/form-i-131-travel-application-guide/
- https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/how-to-retire-in-the-united-kingdom-uk
- https://goreadyinsurance.com/schengen-visa/france-visa-for-green-card-holders
- https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/what-do-when-encountering-law-enforcement-airports-and-other-ports-entry-us
- https://datamyte.com/behalf-authorization-letter/
- https://www.usa.gov/covid-international-travel
- https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/government/eborder/electronic-travel-authorization
- https://onemileatatime.com/guides/clearing-immigration-us-airport/
- https://visaguide.world/visa-free-countries/refugees/
- https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs
- https://smithstonewalters.com/2023/06/01/june-2023-update-on-uk-visa-processing-times/
- https://visaguide.world/online/esta/
- https://www.traveldocs.com/expedited-visa-services/united-kingdom-visa-processing-country234
- https://immigrantinvest.com/cbi-guide/visit-uk-visa-free-en/
- https://www.visa-waiver.cl/english/about-esta/59-help_en/travel-not-authorized.html
- https://us.iasservices.org.uk/visas/settle-uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain/
- https://visaguide.world/europe/uk-visa/fees/
- https://www.city.ac.uk/prospective-students/apply/visas/standard-visitor-visa/apply-standard-visitor-visa
- https://datamyte.com/guide-on-authorization-letter-samples-and-templates/
- https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/international-students/visa-information/financial-evidence-and-bank-statements
- https://www.americanvisitorinsurance.com/blog/visa-free-countries-for-us-green-card-holders.asp
- https://www.travelvisapro.com/blog/passports/can-i-use-my-birth-certificate-to-go-to-mexico
- https://www.frommers.com/destinations/london/planning-a-trip/entry-requirements--customs
- https://www.mbc.org.br/canvs/links53546138.html
- https://visaguide.world/visa-free-countries/green-card-holders/
- https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/article-your-top-visa-queries.html
- https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1126?language=en_US
- https://www.akbartravels.com/visa-rejection/uk
- https://www.usps.com/international/customs-forms.htm
- https://www.gre.ac.uk/visa/before-you-arrive/demonstrate-your-finances
- https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/proof-of-funds
- https://www.quora.com/Does-the-UK-share-all-data-from-a-previous-immigration-history-in-Canada-or-the-US-There-s-a-lot-of-conjecture-and-hearsay-on-what-is-actually-shared
- http://www.state.ky.us/agencies/adm/mars/advantage/Mars-75.html
- https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/uk-electronic-travel-authorisation-tourist-permit
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/facts.html
- https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/electronic-travel-authorisations-whats-the-eta/
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/022415/5-countries-where-us-citizens-need-visas.asp
- https://www.gov.uk/get-electronic-visa-waiver
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/travel-legal-considerations/Advice-about-Possible-Loss-of-US-Nationality-Dual-Nationality/Dual-Nationality.html
- https://www.canadapriorityeta.com/faq/eta-refused
- https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/international-travel/international-travel.jsp
- https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control
- https://www.handyvisas.com/faq/can-you-travel-without-a-passport/
- https://www.davidsonmorris.com/uk-visa-fees/
- https://ave-eta-canada.com/en/eta-or-esta-which-travel-authorization-to-choose-for-your-stay/
- https://visaguide.world/europe/uk-visa/how-to-apply-for-a-uk-visa/usa/
- https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/getting-a-visitor-visa/getting-a-visa-for-family-and-friends-to-visit-the-uk/
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen
- https://www.miamiherald.com/detour/article272816435.html
- https://www.travelpulse.com/News/Destinations/The-UK-Will-Start-Charging-Visitors-an-Entry-Fee-in-2024
- https://www.uscis.gov/CHNV
- https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk/getting-a-decision-on-your-application
- https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/eua/index.php/en/2016-04-09-20-40-51/tourism/1601-3-know-before-you-go
- https://help.voyage-prive.co.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/4420067422353-Do-I-need-to-print-all-my-travel-documents-
- https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1066&top=16
- https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/fvs/apply-for-verification-services
- https://www.united-solicitors.co.uk/british-citizenship-fee-waiver-for-under-18
- https://visa-fees.homeoffice.gov.uk/y/thailand/usd/visit/all
- https://www.visatraveler.com/blog/bank-statement-for-uk-visit-visa/
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/uk-travel-authorization-entry-fee
- https://www.progressive.com/answers/driving-to-mexico-requirements/
- https://www.hsconsultants.net/blog/your-guide-to-bank-statement-for-uk-from-pakistan-2023
- https://www.gov.uk/visa-fee-waiver-in-uk
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coming-to-the-uk/faster-travel-through-the-uk-border
- https://www.stilt.com/blog/2022/05/do-you-need-to-go-through-customs-when-leaving-the-u-s/
- https://www.paisabazaar.com/aadhar-card/show-issued-documents-in-digilocker-and-enter-airports/
- https://iss.washington.edu/requests/immigration-record-updates/travel-signatures/
- https://augstudy.com/study/uk-student-visa/proof-of-funding/
- https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-u-k-s-new-12-entry-fee-what-travelers-need-to-know
- https://iasservices.org.uk/do-american-citizens-need-a-visa-for-uk/
- https://www.inm.gob.mx/sae/publico/en/solicitud.html
- https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1116&top=16
- https://www.travelandleisure.com/uk-electronic-authorisation-form-fee-visit-7104291
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/about.html
- https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk
- https://www.usbirthcertificates.com/articles/documents-to-enter-united-states-us-citizens
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/after-apply-next-steps.html
- https://leapscholar.com/blog/is-interview-compulsory-for-uk-student-visa/
- https://www.davidsonmorris.com/refused-entry-to-uk/
- https://bs.usembassy.gov/returning-resident-lost-stolen-or-expired-green-card/
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/031315/advantages-disadvantages-dual-citizenship.asp
- https://visaguide.world/us-visa/fees/
- https://www.visahq.com/schengen-visas/schengen-visa-for-us-green-card-holders
- https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/financial-evidence-for-your-visa/
- https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/the-advance-parole-travel-document-explained/
- https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/us-citizens/
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html
- https://www.y-axis.com/visa/visit/uk/
- https://www.usa.gov/travel-documents-foreign-citizens
- https://www.davidsonmorris.com/uk-visa-processing-times/
- https://www.germany.info/blob/2305060/edce38aaed09f0d1d7b372c9b3e54928/schengen-visa-requirements-data.pdf
- https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/resources/download/225/guide-to-uk-immigration-and-visa-options-for-us-citizens-wishing-to-live-in-the-uk.pdf
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/eligibility.html
- https://do.usembassy.gov/do-not-travel-without-us-passport/
- https://www.goabroad.com/articles/8-essential-to-do-before-you-travel-abroad