A valid passport — and the right entry documents — is the difference between boarding and being turned away at the gate. Here's exactly what to confirm before any trip, including the one rule that surprises even seasoned travelers.
Flying within the U.S.? You need a REAL ID or a passport
As of May 2025, every adult boarding a domestic flight in the United States must show a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID — look for the star in the upper corner — or another TSA-accepted document such as a valid U.S. passport.
If your license isn't REAL ID-compliant yet, don't risk it: bring your passport to the airport. It's accepted for domestic travel and saves you a stressful morning at security.
The six-month passport rule
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates — not just through your trip. A passport that's technically still valid can still get you denied boarding.
Find your passport now and check the expiration date. If it's within a year of expiring, renew early; processing can take several weeks, and longer in peak season.
Check whether you need a visa or eVisa
Some destinations require a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eVisa) arranged before you fly. These can take days or weeks to approve, so they're not a last-minute task.
Confirm the requirements for every country on your itinerary at the U.S. Department of State's official site, travel.state.gov, well ahead of departure.
Make copies before you leave
Photograph your passport and print a paper copy. Keep one in your luggage separate from the original, and leave a copy with someone at home.
If your passport is ever lost or stolen abroad, a copy dramatically speeds up getting a replacement — and many hotels will ask to see a copy at check-in.
Your pre-trip document checklist
- ✓REAL ID or passport in hand for any U.S. flight
- ✓Passport valid 6+ months beyond your return date
- ✓Visa or eVisa arranged for every country on the itinerary
- ✓Printed and photographed copies of your passport
- ✓Requirements confirmed at travel.state.gov
Let Anna handle the details
Your personal travel concierge keeps track of all of this for you — documents, timing, and every detail from start to finish.
Book a Free Consultation