International Travel Documents: What to Bring & How to Keep Them Safe

DPP Travel
Nov 10, 2021
3 min read

Updated: May 4

Planning your dream vacation is full of exciting details — where you’ll stay, what you’ll see, the shows you’ll catch, and all the amazing food you’ll try. But amidst the fun, don’t forget the not-so-glamorous (but absolutely essential) part: your travel documents.

Here’s a complete checklist of what to bring, plus simple tips for keeping everything safe, organized, and ready to go.

✅ What You’ll Need

Your Passport This one’s non-negotiable. Make sure your passport is valid and not within six months of expiration — many countries require that buffer. And yes, even kids need passports (including for most cruises!).

Visas Check visa requirements for all your destinations, even countries you’re just transiting through. If you can’t get one in advance, bring documentation from the consulate confirming it will be issued upon arrival (the UAE and Oman are examples). We’re happy to help you sort this out!

Photocopy of Your Passport Have both digital and physical copies of the photo page. A quick photo stored on your phone is smart, too.

Extra Passport Photos They’re surprisingly useful — for lost passports, visa processing, and more.

Itinerary Copies We provide a mobile app with all your travel documents, directions, and plans loaded up. But it’s also wise to carry a printed version, just in case.

Tickets & Confirmations Bring originals and paper copies of flight, train, bus tickets, hotel bookings, car rentals, and tour confirmations. Again, these are also available in our app — but some suppliers still require printed versions.

Travel Insurance Documents Print your insurance card and coverage info — especially for trip interruption or baggage loss.

Maps & Guidebooks Old-school still works. Keep maps of your route and a compact city map on hand for those no-Wi-Fi moments.

International Driver’s Permit Yes, it's a real thing — and often required if you plan to drive abroad.

Copies of Credit Cards Have the full card number and customer service number saved (securely!) in case of loss or theft. Also, let your bank know your travel dates and destinations.

Emergency Contact Info Include family, close friends, us (!), and your destination’s U.S. consulate. Save them in your phone under an easy label like “Italy Trip 2025” — and delete them once you’re home.

Immunization Card (Yellow Card) Bring your original and a copy, especially if you’re traveling to countries with vaccine requirements. Replacing this card is extremely difficult.

💡 Pro Tips for Document Safety

Consistency Is Key Double-check that your name appears the same across all documents. Small mismatches can turn into big hassles.
Back Everything Up Scan and email all important documents to yourself and a trusted emergency contact.
USB with Encrypted Backups Carry a secure USB drive with encrypted versions of your documents. Store it discreetly with some emergency cash — a backup for your backup.
Designate a Stateside Contact Choose a trusted family member or friend to act on your behalf while you’re away, in case any major issues arise.
Separate Your Copies Keep photocopies in a waterproof zip bag and store them in a different piece of luggage from the originals.
Wear a Travel Wallet Carry your must-haves (passport, cards, insurance) on your person in a waterproof pouch or travel wallet worn under your clothes.

📄 Digital vs. Paper — Why You Still Need Both

We love being paperless, but when it comes to international travel, hardcopies still matter. For example, if you lose your passport abroad, you can often get a replacement at the U.S. Embassy in under an hour if you have a physical copy of your original. That little piece of paper can save your entire trip.

Once you’ve got all your documents organized, you’re free to focus on the fun part — exploring, tasting, discovering, and enjoying. Bonus: the system you create now will make your future trips even smoother.

Ready to plan your next adventure?