When you travel there are certain documents you must take along. What you take depends on your travel plans and destination. Before leaving for your trip ensure that you have all of the documents you need and take steps to protect those documents while you are away. Lost or stolen documents can lead to financial and identity theft.

Documents For Traveling Within the United States

Driver’s license or equivalent form of photo identification

Passport (this can be used as an additional form of identification but not required when traveling within the United States)

Travel itinerary (tickets, hotel reservation information, car rental information, etc.)

Medical insurance cards

Travel insurance documentation

Credit cards and other forms of payment you are using

Documents For Traveling Abroad

Driver’s license or equivalent form of photo identification

Passport

Travel itinerary (tickets, hotel reservation information, car rental information, etc.)

Medical insurance cards

Travel insurance documentation

Credit cards and other forms of payment you are using

Travel Visa (Some countries require foreigners to have a valid travel visa. Check before your trip to find out if your destination requires this)

International driver’s license (if required)

Vaccination documentation (some countries require this)

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many governments require visitors to complete a travel health certificate (THC) before they enter the country. Carry your Covid-19 vaccination card

Contact the U.S Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs before your trip to find out exactly what documents you need to bring.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-checklist.html

Making & Storing Copies

Once you have all of your travel documents ready to go make a list of everything you are taking and check off each item as you pack.

Make several copies of each document, front and back and also save a digital copy.

Keep one printed copy at home and take several with you.

Be sure to password protect your smartphone and other devices.

Protect your Documents

Be vigilant about protecting your documents. Don’t pack your documents in a carry-on bag or in a bag you check. Keep your documents with you at all times until you reach your travel destination. Bags can get lost or stolen. Nothing confidential or extremely important should be packed in a bag. Once you arrive at your destination keep your originals and your copies in separate locations. For example, keep copies locked in a room safe, another set with you and another with a travel companion.

Attach a note to your passport with your phone number or email address. If the passport is lost and someone finds it, they can contact you to return it.

When traveling with your passport don’t carry it with you when you are out for the day unless necessary. Instead carry a copy.

During your trip check often to be sure your documents are still with you. If they turn up missing, you need to know as soon as possible.

Show your passport only when necessary to customs officials and other law enforcement personnel. Criminals can try to trick you into handing over your passport or other important documents.

When traveling with others each person should carry their own passport and ID’s. Don’t allow one family member or travel companion to carry everyone’s documents. If that person is robbed, all would be lost.

Carry a secure, locked bag. Never carry your documents in a back pocket, backpack or purse where they can easily be grabbed by a pickpocket. Carry them in an inside zipper pocket or a secure bag attached to your body and carry only the documents you need for each outing.

If you do carry a bag, use an anti-theft cross-body bag.

Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

Or an anti-theft belt bag.

Anti-Theft Belt Bag

Use luggage locks to secure all bags.

Luggage Locks

Lock important documents in a room safe if the hotel provides one. And purchase a hotel safe lock. This is a lock that you attach to the safe and only you have the key or code to unlock it. This prevents hotel employees from accessing the safe.

If the hotel does not provide a room safe, purchase a travel safe to use when away from home.

Travel Safe

You might also consider a portable door lock for added security when traveling.

Portable Door Lock