Know Before You Go

Check your passport expiration date well before your trip. Some destinations require that your passport remain valid for a period of time beyond your travel dates — not just through your return date. This requirement varies by country, and transit countries on your itinerary may have their own validity requirements as well.

Verify the passport validity requirement for every country on your itinerary, including any countries you may transit through, even briefly. If your passport is expiring soon, allow adequate time to renew before your departure.

Visa and entry requirements vary by destination and by the citizenship of the traveler. Some destinations allow U.S. citizens to enter without a visa for short stays; others require advance visa applications, travel authorizations, or entry fees.

Review the official U.S. Department of State destination information for every country on your itinerary, and check the official immigration authority for your destination country as well. Requirements can change, so verify close to your departure date.

Europe is introducing new border and travel-authorization systems. Implementation dates and requirements can change, so it is important to check the official European Union sources before your trip rather than relying on information that may be outdated.

Travelers age 18 and older flying within the United States are required to present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or ID card, or another TSA-accepted form of identification — such as a U.S. passport — to pass through airport security.

Check whether your current state ID is REAL ID-compliant. If you are unsure, a U.S. passport is always an accepted alternative. Review the TSA's current list of acceptable identification for the most up-to-date information.

Cruise documentation requirements can vary based on the cruise line, itinerary, citizenship, departure port, and whether the sailing is a closed-loop voyage (departing and returning to the same U.S. port) or an international itinerary.

Do not assume that any single document is always sufficient for a cruise. Review the documentation requirements provided directly by your cruise line for your specific sailing. If you are unsure where to find those requirements or what applies to your trip, contact Heather & Joe and we will help point you in the right direction.

Health recommendations and entry-related health requirements vary by destination and can change. Some destinations may require proof of vaccination or other health documentation for entry. Recommendations for travelers may also differ based on individual health circumstances.

Review the CDC Travelers' Health information for your destination before you travel, and consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Children may have different passport and documentation requirements than adults. Minors traveling internationally generally need their own valid passport.

In certain circumstances — such as a child traveling with only one parent, with a guardian, or without a parent — some destinations or cruise lines may request additional documentation, such as a notarized parental consent letter. Requirements vary by destination and situation.

If you are traveling with children, verify the documentation requirements for your specific itinerary and circumstances. When in doubt, having a consent letter prepared is a reasonable precaution.

A quick checklist of travel-requirements tasks to work through before your departure:

• Check passport expiration dates early.
• Verify requirements for every country on your itinerary.
• Review your cruise line or tour operator's documentation requirements.
• Make sure the name on your reservation matches your travel documents.
• Check TSA identification requirements if you're flying.
• Recheck entry requirements shortly before departure.
• Keep copies of important travel documents separate from the originals.

Two official resources not covered elsewhere in this guide:

Not sure where to check? Contact Heather & Joe and we'll help point you toward the appropriate official resources for your itinerary.

Dream Destinations provides general guidance and helps clients locate official resources. Each traveler is responsible for confirming and meeting the requirements that apply to their specific trip.