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Travel Requirements 15

International Travel Documents:

Essential Documents:
• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Visa (if required for destination)
• Return/onward ticket proof
• Travel insurance documents
• Hotel reservations

Passport Requirements:
• Must be valid 6 months beyond travel dates
• Must have blank pages for stamps
• Name must match ticket exactly
• Check condition (no significant damage)

Visa Requirements:
• Check destination country requirements
• Apply well in advance (6-8 weeks)
• Some countries offer visa on arrival
• Some allow visa-free entry
• E-visas available for many destinations

Additional Documents May Include:
• Yellow fever certificate
• COVID-19 related documents (if applicable)
• Travel authorization (ESTA, eTA, etc.)
• Invitation letters
• Proof of sufficient funds

Always Check:
Destination country's embassy website for current requirements.

Health Requirements for Travel:

Vaccinations:
• Some required (Yellow Fever for certain countries)
• Others recommended (Hepatitis, Typhoid, etc.)
• Check CDC/WHO recommendations
• Get vaccinations 4-6 weeks before travel
• Carry vaccination records

Travel Health Kit:
• Prescription medications (original containers)
• Doctor's letter for controlled substances
• Basic first aid supplies
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer

Destination-Specific:
• Malaria prophylaxis (Africa, Asia, S. America)
• Altitude sickness prevention (high elevation)
• Water purification (developing regions)

Travel Insurance Should Cover:
• Medical emergencies abroad
• Medical evacuation
• Trip interruption for illness
• Pre-existing conditions (check policy)

Resources:
• CDC: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
• WHO: www.who.int/travel-advice

Common Immigration Forms:

Arriving in the US:
• Customs Declaration (Form 6059B)
• Given on plane or at kiosk
• List items you're bringing in
• Report currency over $10,000

US ESTA (Visa Waiver):
• Apply online before travel
• Valid for 2 years
• Cost: $21
• For VWP countries only

Arriving in UK:
• Landing card (may be required)
• ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) coming soon

Arriving in EU:
• ETIAS (coming soon for visa-free countries)
• No current form required for most

Arriving in Canada:
• eTA required for visa-exempt countries
• Cost: CAD $7
• Valid for 5 years

Tips:
• Complete forms accurately
• Bring a pen for paper forms
• Know your accommodation address
• Have return ticket information handy
• Be honest about goods you're carrying

Customs Declaration Guide:

Always Declare:
• Currency over $10,000 (or equivalent)
• Commercial goods/samples
• Gifts over the duty-free limit
• Food products (meat, fruits, vegetables)
• Plants and plant products
• Animals or animal products
• Medications (especially controlled)

Duty-Free Allowances (US Example):
• Personal goods: $800 (returning US residents)
• Alcohol: 1 liter (if 21+)
• Cigarettes: 200
• Gifts: Included in $800 limit

Prohibited Items:
• Illegal drugs
• Counterfeit goods
• Endangered wildlife products
• Certain foods (varies by country)
• Weapons (undeclared)

Consequences of Not Declaring:
• Fines and penalties
• Seizure of goods
• Criminal charges possible
• Future travel complications

When in Doubt:
Declare it! Honest mistakes are treated leniently. Hiding items is a serious offense.

REAL ID Information:

What is REAL ID?
• Federal security standard for IDs
• Required for domestic US flights (starting May 2025)
• Required for federal facilities
• Issued by your state DMV
• Has star marking in corner

Do You Need It?
• For domestic US flights: YES (after deadline)
• For international flights: NO (use passport)
• For everyday identification: Regular ID still works

Alternatives to REAL ID for Flying:
• US Passport or Passport Card
• DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck)
• US Military ID
• Some tribal IDs
• State Enhanced Driver's License

How to Get REAL ID:
1. Check if your state offers it
2. Gather required documents
3. Visit DMV in person
4. Pay applicable fee
5. Receive REAL ID compliant license

Required Documents:
• Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate)
• Proof of SSN
• Two proofs of residency
• Proof of legal name change (if applicable)

Acceptable IDs for Domestic US Flights:

Standard Acceptable IDs:
• REAL ID compliant driver's license
• US Passport or Passport Card
• DHS Trusted Traveler Card
• US Military ID (active duty)
• Permanent Resident Card
• Border Crossing Card
• USCIS Employment Authorization

State IDs (Check REAL ID Compliance):
• Driver's license
• State-issued ID card
• Enhanced Driver's License (border states)

Other Accepted IDs:
• Tribal ID (some federally recognized)
• Canadian provincial license
• Foreign government passport
• Transportation Worker ID (TWIC)

Forgot Your ID?
• TSA may use identity verification process
• Expect delays and additional screening
• Not guaranteed to board
• Arrive extra early

For Children:
• Under 18: No ID required for domestic
• Must travel with adult
• School ID recommended but not required

International Travel: Know Before You Go

Customers are responsible for meeting ALL travel and entry requirements for their destination and any intermediate points.

Your Responsibilities:
• Valid passport
• Required visas
• Valid U.S. resident card (to fly back to the U.S.)
• Required health protocols
• Contact tracing requirements

Important Timelines:
Check-in (with bags): 3 hours prior to departure recommended
Flight closes: 60 minutes prior to departure - NO EXCEPTIONS
Check-in method: Online or at airport check-in counters

Before You Travel:
1. Verify passport validity (6+ months)
2. Research visa requirements for destination
3. Check health requirements (vaccinations, testing)
4. Confirm you have onward/return travel proof
5. Download required apps or forms

Pro Tip: Use our online travel documentation tool to check specific requirements for your destination.

Passport Requirements

A valid passport is required for ALL customers (regardless of age) traveling to or from the United States.

Important: A U.S. passport card CANNOT be used for airline travel.

Passport Condition:
• Must be in good condition (not damaged, torn, or defaced)
• Per U.S. Department of State requirements

Validity Requirements:
• Some countries require passports valid for at least 6 months from entry date
• Some countries require 2-4 blank pages available
• Check destination country requirements before travel

Name Matching:
• Name on passport MUST match name on reservation
• If names don't match, you may need additional documents
• Example: Notarized marriage certificate for name change

Manage Your Passport:
For information on how to obtain, renew, or manage your passport, visit the U.S. Department of State Passport website.

Other Travel Documents You May Need

In addition to your passport, some destinations require further documentation:

Common Requirements:
Valid visa - check embassy requirements
Tourist card - some destinations require purchase on arrival
Proof of health insurance and/or immunizations
Proof of onward or return travel (if not a national of destination country)

Traveling with Children:
Minor travel consent form required if:
- Child traveling internationally with only one parent
- Child traveling with another adult (not parent)
• Download Minor Travel Consent Form before travel

Find Requirements:
Visit the U.S. Department of State International Travel Information website for:
• Country-specific requirements
• Embassy information
• Travel advisories

United Kingdom Entry Requirements

NEW UK ETA REQUIREMENT:
All travelers (including children) from the U.S., Canada, and other visa-free countries must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter or travel through the UK.

How to Apply:
• Fastest way: Download the UK ETA app
• Processing time: Up to 3 business days
• Apply before travel - don't wait until departure day!

Who Needs ETA:
• U.S. citizens
• Canadian citizens
• Citizens of other visa-free countries
• All ages including children

What ETA Covers:
• Entry to the UK
• Transit through the UK
• Valid for tourism, business, transit

Important: Do not travel without confirmed ETA approval. Check the UK Government ETA page for current information and application.

Documentation for U.S. Territories

Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Croix:

For U.S. Citizens:
• Passport NOT required to enter U.S. territories
Recommended: Carry proof of U.S. residency or citizenship for return to the United States

For Non-U.S. Citizens:
• Valid passport REQUIRED for travel between U.S. and any U.S. territory
• Applicable visa requirements still apply

Be Prepared:
• Random document and bag inspections may occur in any U.S. territory
• All customers should have identification ready

More Information:
Find detailed travel document requirements at the U.S. Department of State website.

ESTA Program for Non-U.S. Citizens

Some customers may be eligible for a visa waiver under the Customs and Border Protection's ESTA program.

What is ESTA?
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization
• Allows visa-free travel to the U.S. for eligible countries
• Part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Who Can Apply:
• Citizens of VWP countries (40 countries including UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, etc.)
• Traveling to U.S. for tourism or business
• Staying 90 days or less

ESTA Details:
• Valid for 2 years or until passport expires
• Allows multiple entries to the U.S.
• Must be approved BEFORE travel
• Cost: $21 USD

Apply Early:
Travelers are encouraged to apply when preparing travel plans - don't wait until the last minute!

Apply Now:
For more information and to apply, visit the CBP ESTA website.

Biometric Self-Boarding: The Future is Here

We're piloting a paperless and deviceless biometric self-boarding process on select international flights.

What is Biometric Boarding?
• Uses facial recognition technology
• No need for boarding pass or ID
• Secure verification via Customs & Border Protection's Traveler Verification Service (TVS)

Currently Available At:
• New York (JFK)
• Boston (BOS)
• Washington, DC (DCA)
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

How It Works:
1. Approach the biometric camera at the gate
2. Your face is matched to your passport photo on file
3. Verification takes seconds
4. Board the aircraft - no documents needed!

Benefits:
• Faster boarding process
• No fumbling for documents
• Enhanced security
• Seamless travel experience

Note: Biometric boarding is optional. You can always choose traditional document verification.

Connecting International Flights in the U.S.

Requirements for International Travelers:
• Valid passport for U.S. entry
• Valid visa for the U.S. (unless ESTA/VWP eligible)
• May need visa for final destination country

Baggage at Connection:
• You may need to claim your checked bags upon arriving in the U.S.
• Clear Customs and Immigration with bags
Recheck bags to your final destination
• Allow extra time for this process

Before Departure:
• Verify at the ticket counter whether bags will be checked through to final destination
• Know your connection time requirements
• Factor in Customs/Immigration processing time

Tips:
• Book connections with 2-3 hours minimum
• Know where to recheck bags at connecting airport
• Have all documents ready for each entry point

International Flight Check-In Times

Recommended Arrival Time:
3 hours before scheduled departure
• Especially important if checking bags

CRITICAL - Flight Closes:
60 minutes prior to scheduled departure
NO EXCEPTIONS
• Must clear immigration and security at least 1 hour before departure

Allow Time For:
• Getting to the correct terminal
• Check-in for your flight
• Immigration processing
• Security screening
• Walking to your gate

U.S. Pre-Clearance Airports:
If traveling from these airports, check Customs closing times at US Customs & Border Protection website:
• Aruba (AUA)
• Bermuda (BDA)
• Dublin (DUB)
• Nassau (NAS)
• Vancouver (YVR)

Important: You must check in during Customs hours of operation (regardless of flight departure times or delays) or you will be denied boarding.

Still Have Questions?

Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or concerns.