Travel documents checklist: what to check before you go

Check your passport's expiry date as soon as you start planning. Some countries require a passport to be valid for a minimum period beyond your planned departure date, and some require blank pages for entry stamps. Renewals can take weeks, so check early.

Make sure the name on your bookings matches your passport exactly, as mismatches can cause problems at check-in.

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa, an electronic travel authorisation or nothing at all. Some regions are introducing new digital border systems, so rules that applied on a previous trip may have changed.

Always check requirements on official government websites or your destination's embassy, rather than relying on third-party summaries, and apply well in advance if you need permission to enter.

Check whether your destination has any vaccination requirements or health recommendations, and speak to a healthcare professional if needed. Carry any regular medication in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription.

Travel insurance can cover medical costs, cancellations and lost belongings. Read the policy to understand what is and isn't included, especially for medical care abroad and any activities you plan.

Check which cards work abroad, any foreign transaction fees and whether your bank needs to know about your travel. Carry a backup payment method, and some local currency for places that don't take cards.

If you plan to drive, check whether your licence is accepted at your destination or whether you need an International Driving Permit, and what insurance is required. Rules vary by country.

Keep digital copies of your passport, visas, insurance and bookings somewhere you can access offline, and share your itinerary with someone at home. Note the contact details of your country's embassy or consulate at your destination.

Many governments offer travel advice pages and alert services for their citizens abroad. Checking your government's advice for your destination shortly before you leave is a good final step.

Children usually need their own passports, and some countries have additional rules for minors, for example when a child travels with only one parent or with other adults. These rules vary, so check the official requirements for both your destination and any countries you pass through.

Carrying supporting documents, such as a consent letter from a parent who is not travelling, can be required or helpful in some situations. Official government advice pages explain what is needed for your route.

If your journey connects through another country, check whether you need a transit visa or authorisation, even if you never leave the airport. Rules depend on your nationality, the transit country and whether you change terminals or collect bags.

Airlines can refuse boarding if you don't have the right documents for every country on your route, so check the requirements for each stop, not just your final destination.

Working through this checklist in stages keeps it manageable and leaves time to fix any problems, such as renewing a passport or applying for a visa.

If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, contact your country's embassy or consulate, which can usually help with an emergency travel document. Reporting the loss to local police may also be required, for example for insurance claims.

Having digital copies of your passport and other documents, stored securely and accessible offline, makes replacing them much quicker.