Documents
Checklist
Passport
- Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to return home. This is a common requirement for many countries.
- Blank Pages: Check if your destination requires a certain number of blank pages – typically at least two to four pages – for stamps upon entry and exit.
Visa requirements
- Requirement Check: Determine whether you need a visa for your destination. This can usually be verified on the destination country’s immigration official website.
- Application Process: Gather all necessary documents for the visa application, such as photos, itinerary, hotel bookings, and financial proof. Apply well in advance to accommodate processing times.
- Subtle Hint: For destinations where additional documentation beyond a passport is necessary, it’s prudent to consult the country’s official travel website or an embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Visa-Exempt Countries:
30 Days
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia
Maldives
Philippines
Singapore
Vietnam
15 Days
Seychelles
14 Days
Brunei
Myanmar
Thailand
Travel insurance
- Proof of Insurance: Carry a copy of your travel insurance policy, clearly detailing coverage amounts and policy limits.
- Emergency Contacts: Include emergency contact numbers for your insurance provider, accessible in case you need immediate assistance while abroad.
Health documentation
- Vaccination Certificates: Keep a record of required vaccinations for your destination, such as Yellow Fever or COVID-19, as these may be checked upon entry.
- Prescriptions: Bring a copy of prescriptions for any medications you are carrying, ideally with a note from your doctor explaining the necessity for these medications.
Additional documents
- International Driving Permit (IDP): If you plan to drive, ensure you have an IDP along with your valid driver’s license from your home country.
- Proof of Accommodation: Keep copies of hotel reservations or letters from friends or family if staying in a private residence.
- Return Ticket: Some countries require proof of onward travel or a return ticket upon entry to ensure you have plans to leave the country.
Digital backup
- Electronic Copies: Create digital backups of all important documents and store them in a secure cloud storage or on a USB drive.
- Emergency Access: Ensure someone you trust back home has access to these digital copies and knows how to retrieve them if necessary.