Travel Document Checklist for a Smooth Journey
Before you embark on your journey, make sure to gather all the essential travel documents you’ll need.
These may include:
To ensure a stress-free experience, research and confirm all necessary requirements ahead of time. Keep your ticket and important documents in a secure and easily accessible place throughout your trip.
In order to travel on any domestic or international flight, it is necessary to have a valid airline ticket. If you have purchased an electronic ticket (e-ticket), you will receive an itinerary receipt (in the email provided during reservation) that you should bring with you at all times during your travels. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the airline’s Conditions of Carriage, which outline the terms and conditions of your ticket purchase and travel.
All passengers must have a valid passport for international travel. If you don’t have a passport or if yours is nearing expiration, you’ll need to apply for one. The application process can take several weeks, so it’s best to start early. For detailed information, visit the government website of your country.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date, as some countries may require this. To avoid any potential issues, it’s recommended to check the specific passport validity requirements for your destination with the consulates of the countries you plan to visit before your departure.You can also check the requirements at the IATA Travel Center.
Note that other forms of identification, such as Citizenship Identity Cards for Bhutanese citizens traveling to India and Voter Identity Cards for Indian nationals traveling to Bhutan, may also be accepted. However, it is generally recommended to travel with a valid passport for the smoothest and most efficient travel experience.
Depending on where you’re going, you may need to obtain a visa in order to enter the country. Some countries offer visas on arrival, while others require you to apply for a visa in advance. It’s important to research the visa requirements for your destination and to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip. You can find more information about visa requirements on the government website of the country you’re visiting, or by contacting the embassy or consulate of that country.
If you are planning to visit Bhutan as a foreigner, you can visit our Bhutan Travel Requirements page to learn about the requirements. You can also visit the IATA Travel Centre to determine if you need a visa to travel to a specific country.
For international flights, you may be required to complete an Arrival Form and/or a Customs Declaration Form. These forms, when required, will be handed to you at check-in, distributed by cabin crew during the flight, or provided upon arrival at the airport. You will need to present the completed forms to passport control or customs officials.
There are a few other things you should consider when preparing for your trip. Make copies of your important documents, such as your return ticket, visa, travel insurance policy, and hotel booking confirmations, and bring both electronic and physical copies with you on your trip. You may need to produce these documents at the immigration counter or passport control, so it’s important to have them readily available.
It’s also a good idea to research any health and safety concerns specific to your destination and to take appropriate precautions, such as getting any necessary vaccinations or purchasing travel insurance. This can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.