Travel Documents Checklist

Find out what travel documents you might need for domestic and international flights

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What travel documents do I need when flying?

Not all documents are essential for travel. Some documents, like Nexus Cards, are optional programs designed to get you through security, customs and immigration quickly.

Other documents, such as travel visas and passports, are essential if you're travelling to a country that requires you to have one.

Essential travel documents

For all international flights, you'll need a valid passport.
For domestic flights within your country of residence, you can usually travel with a government-issued ID (such as a driver's licence).
A travel visa if the country you're travelling to requires it.

Some airlines will allow you to bring two pieces of non-photo identification that match the name and date of birth on your reservation whereas others will request that you bring a photo ID with the name and date of birth matching your reservation.

A family at a desk at the airport, handing a woman their passports

Optional documents

Documents like a passport card or trusted traveller programmes such as Global Entry can help speed up your journey through the airport.

While these aren’t required for travel, they can make things much smoother by offering perks like faster security checks, quicker customs and immigration clearance, and shorter queues at busy airports.

If you travel often, these optional documents can be a great way to save time, especially when flying internationally or if you have connecting flights.

Travel documents for international flights

Valid passport

A valid passport is the primary document required for international travel. Your passport serves as proof of identity and citizenship.

Before you book your flights, make sure your passport has sufficient validity beyond your planned travel dates as many countries require passports to be valid for a certain period after you depart (usually 6 months). Passengers of all ages flying internationally will require a valid passport.

Visa requirements

Other than your passport, you may need a visa depending on your destination. A visa is an official document that permits you to enter a country.

There are many different types of visas (work, study, tourist, etc). You'll need to research the visa requirements for the country you're visiting thoroughly and well in advance as the visa application process can be time-consuming.

Travel documents for domestic flights

Identification requirements

A passport isn't generally required for domestic flights, however, you will need to provide some form of government-issued identification. This can include:

Passport (preferably valid but expired passports may be accepted)
Driver's licence
National ID card
Military ID
State-issued ID card
Birth certificate (often with a photo ID)
Social security card (often with a photo ID)

If you're flying domestically in a different country to your own, ensure you have your passport with you at all times, even if it isn't required for your domestic flight.

Like international flights, you will want to consider other travel documents like travel insurance policies, vaccination certificates and medical prescriptions. You should also consider applying for an international driving licence if you're doing a fly-drive trip (flying domestically and then driving part of the journey).

Travel documents for minors

Flying with children? You'll want to make sure you have all the essential travel documents for your child prepared in advance so that you can have a stress-free travel experience! General requirements include:

Valid passport
Birth certificate
Parental consent (for unaccompanied minors)
Visa (if required)
Emergency contact details

Other considerations

If the child is travelling alone, specific documents will be required for the unaccompanied minor (UMN).
If the child is travelling with one parent, depending on the country, a notarised letter of consent from the absent parent will be required.
If you're travelling with step-children or as a guardian, you may need to provide legal documentation proving guardianship.

Need help with your booking?

If you need any help with your booking or travel documents, our Customer Support team is here for you. Visit our Help pages or contact Alternative Airlines and we’ll be happy to assist.

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Frequently asked questions

What are travel documents?

Travel documents are official government-issued identification papers that let you cross international borders. They are proof of your identity and citizenship, giving you permission to enter and exit countries. Travel documents can include passports, visas and national ID cards.

What are the necessary documents needed to travel abroad?

The essential documents for international travel include:

A valid passport,
A visa (if necessary)
Proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or driver's licence

Depending on your travel plans, you may also want to consider travel insurance (not available at Alternative Airlines), an international driver's licence and vaccination certificates.

What travel documents do I need for domestic flights?

For domestic flights within a country, you usually won’t need a passport - but you'll need a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s licence, national ID card, or state-issued ID.

If you’re flying domestically in a country you’re not a citizen or resident of, it’s a good idea to carry your passport with you too, even if it isn’t required for the flight. Requirements can vary by airline and destination, so always check before you travel.

Do I need a passport to fly within my own country?

In many cases, no. You can often fly domestically using a valid form of photo ID. However, some destinations, airlines, or special routes may still require a passport, so it’s always worth double-checking before you travel.

How long does my passport need to be valid to travel?

Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your travel date, although this can vary depending on the destination. Always check entry rules before booking your flight.

What if the name on my travel documents doesn’t match my flight booking?

Your flight ticket needs to match the name on your passport or ID exactly. If you spot a mistake, it’s best to fix it as early as possible - contact our customer support team for help.

What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by air?

To enter Mexico as a tourist, you'll need:

A valid passport, with six months validity beyond your planned departure date.
A Tourist Card, otherwise known as a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM). This is an immigration form that records your entry into Mexico. It can be obtained before your trip or upon arrival at the airport - doing it online is quicker!

Although a passport and Tourist Card are the required travel documents for Mexico, you will want to consider other useful travel documents like travel insurance policies, proof of onward travel or sufficient funds and medicinal prescriptions if necessary.

What documents do I need to travel to France from USA?

US citizens currently only require a valid passport to enter France for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. This is because of the visa waiver agreement between the USA and the European Union, of which France is a member.

This situation is going to change in 2025. US citizens will need to obtain an Electronic European Travel Authorisation (ETIAS) before flying to France and other Schengen Area countries. Don't worry - it's a simple online application process but if you planning to visit France in 2025, you'll need to consider the application process now.

Aside from the ETIAS, you will need a valid passport.

What documents does a child need to travel to Canada?

For your child to enter Canada, they will need a valid passport (mandatory) and potentially a birth certificate which will be proof of identity and citizenship. A parental consent letter is also necessary if the child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor.

Depending on the child's nationality, a visa may be required.

What documents do I need to travel to U.S. Virgin Islands?

Before you head to the U.S. Virgin Islands, the travel documents you need depend on your nationality/citizenship.

If you're a US citizen:

You won't need a passport to enter the US Virgin Islands
Proof of citizenship may be required upon departure (such as a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID).

If you're not a US citizen:

A valid passport is required from your country of origin.
A visa may be required depending on your nationality.

What documents does a child need to travel to Mexico by air?

This depends on your child's age, nationality and travel circumstances. Essential documents include a valid passport, a birth certificate and parental consent (if the child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor).

Your child may also need a visa - you can check with the Mexican embassy in your country for specific requirements ahead of your trip.

What documents do I need to travel to New Zealand?

For a smooth entry into New Zealand, you'll need:

A valid passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand.
A visa or NZeTA, depending on your nationality. The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is required by most nationalities. It can be obtained online.
A traveller declaration. This can be completed through the NZTD app and is essential for customs/immigration purposes.
Proof of sufficient funds for your trip.
A return or onward flight ticket.