The Covid-19 pandemic created a whole new checklist of what you should bring with you on your trip. Here’s the essential paperwork you need to have in your bag:
Proofs of vaccination
It doesn’t matter where you’re traveling to and what requirements the country has for checking your “vaccination status,” it’s always recommended to bring all of your CDC-issued (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) copies or digital certificates with you.
Ensure to keep them safe and, before arriving at the airport, double-check all your vaccination proofs to be fully prepared to provide the authorities with this documentation.
Passenger locator form
It might not be enough to show only your Covid-related documents—the form implies a lot of additional information needed for the country’s health authorities.
For example, the form may include your address where you’re planning to stay at, as well as confirmation of the scheduled Covid-tests you’ll need to take after arrival.
Covid test results
In addition to other documents, many countries require you to show proof of a negative Covid-test. The type of these tests varies by country. For instance, some countries accept only PCR tests, while others will be fine with rapid antigen tests. Therefore, it’s recommended to check what type of test is required for your flight before departure.
Just for a small reminder, make sure to keep your test results in both paper and electronic forms.
Masks
This item has become part and parcel of our life. Ensure to take at least one mask with you—most probably, it will be required for many places, including indoor activities.
However, some countries (e.g., Germany) oblige people to have surgical masks, such as N95s, when riding public transport or visiting public spaces.
In such cases, to avoid unpleasant surprises, take care of bringing two different types of masks with you when traveling abroad.
Proof of insurance
Before planning a trip, double-check the specific health-insurance policies for your destination country. Why is it so necessary? Many countries still require you to have health insurance, even if you’re fully vaccinated or have Covid test results at your fingertips. Thus, you might not be permitted to enter the country without having the appropriate health insurance.
Proofs of relationship
This section will be incredibly helpful for those who travel with kids or other relatives. To avoid unnecessary questions or arguments at the airport, make sure to bring any proof of your relationship with you. In addition to relatives’ passports, a child’s birth certificate or a court document might be enough.
Valid passports and visas
Ensure your passport expiration date is at least six months from your return date. Also, it’s essential to check what visas your destination country requires and take care of them before booking a trip.
If you’re traveling from the United States with an American passport, you’re allowed to enter about 116 foreign countries with no visa needed. Nevertheless, some countries require an entry visa.
If you possess another passport, we recommend you check with your destination country authorities what kind of visa is required for your travel.
Note that failure to comply with these requirements may result in denied boarding.
Tests for your return
It doesn’t matter whether you’re vaccinated or not. When traveling back to your country, sometimes you’ll also need to double-prove your health status. So make sure to verify whether you need to provide repetitive Covid-tests.
❗️ Use this free online tool to check the latest travel regulations and necessary documentation for your destination country.
And again, we recommend you download and print each Covid-related document. Keep the documentation organized and handy in both digital and paper forms so that you’ll be fully prepared to pass any potential check before, during, and after your journey.