Which Travel Documents Should You Always Carry with You?

by Anna Jones
(Ohio)

Most people have dreamt about traveling to another country at least once in their lives. Well, in today's day and age, this dream has actually become quite easy to fulfill. However, you will still need to get several papers ready beforehand; otherwise, your destination of your choice might not let you cross their borders. So, if you want to experience a hassle-free trip abroad, whether for business or for pleasure, here are some of the travel documents you should always be carrying with you.

1. Your Passport

Although some countries might allow people to enter with their driver's license or birth certificate alone, other countries might ask you for your passport before they let you through. Your passport will serve as proof of your name, age, nationality and overall identity, and can be applied for through any local post office. Passports are also a necessity if you want to meet the INS employment requirements or need to apply for a visa.

2. A Visa

When traveling abroad, a visa would be the most important travel document you could ever have since it will serve as proof that you are actually allowed to be in the country that you are currently visiting. In fact, you will need to get a visa prior to going to the country itself and this can be obtained from the country's consulate or embassy. If it is your first time visiting the country, foreign custom officials will check the visa in your passport.

The kind of visa that you eventually get will depend on the overall nature of your visit. For example, if you are visiting the country as a student, an aid worker, or for holiday purposes, then you will need a tourist visa. Conversely, if you are going to the country to study or to work, then you will have to get a work visa.

3. An International Driver's License

Most countries will accept a US driver's license and allow you to rent a car with it. However, if you want to be extra careful, you should try to get an international one from the Automobile Association - most of all if you plan on staying in the country for quite some time. If you want, you can even apply for a local license, which you can get with your passport and a visa. Ideally, you should present a work visa if applicable or a non-immigrant visa, as required by the country you are in.

Naturally, aside from just having these travel documents, you will have to ensure that you keep them all well-protected and safe, as well. To really set your mind at ease, you can even make several copies in both print and electronic format to ensure that you do not lose the originals. Remember: stay safe!

Anna Jones is a writer for an expat community blog that provides internet phone card and swiss calling cards for international travelers. Take an additional 10% off with coupon code "acc10".