Christmas and New Year’s travel approaches quickly. If you’re crossing international borders in the next few weeks, verify your documentation now while there’s still time to correct problems.

Passport Verification

Most critical document for international travel requires immediate attention.

Expiration date rules:

• Many countries require six months validity beyond your travel dates
• Some countries require three months validity
• A few accept passports valid only for duration of stay
• Check specific requirements for your destination

Processing times for renewals:

• Routine service: 6-8 weeks
• Expedited service: 2-3 weeks
• Emergency/urgent travel: 1-2 weeks (requires proof of travel)
• Regional passport agencies: same day for emergencies (appointment required)

If your passport expires within six months:

• Verify destination country requirements immediately
• Consider expedited renewal even if destination technically allows
• Have backup travel plans if renewal doesn’t arrive in time

Children’s Documentation

Traveling with minors requires specific documentation often overlooked until too late.

Required documents:

• Passport for international travel (any age)
• Birth certificate for some land border crossings (check specific requirements)
• Government-issued ID for domestic flights (age requirements vary by airline)

Processing times for children:

• Child passport applications: 6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 weeks expedited
• Birth certificate copies: varies by state, can take several weeks
• Name change documents: varies by jurisdiction

Parental consent requirements:

• Letters required when child travels without both parents
• Must be notarized in most cases
• Should include: child and parent information, travel dates and destinations, contact information, authorization statement
• Courts may require specific formats for certain countries

Custody considerations:

• Carry custody documents if relevant
• Some countries require proof of sole custody or other parent’s consent
• Separated or divorced parents should verify requirements carefully

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and Trusted Traveler Programs

Land border crossings have specific document options.

Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL):

• Accepted for land and sea crossings to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean
• NOT valid for air travel internationally
• Available in limited states (check your state DMV)
• Processing takes 2-4 weeks typically
• More secure than standard license but different from REAL ID

REAL ID:

• Required for domestic flights beginning May 2025
• Also required for entering federal facilities
• Does NOT work for international travel alone
• Does NOT qualify for Ready Lanes at borders
• Check your current license for compliance (gold star indicator)

Trusted Traveler Programs:

• NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry, FAST cards work at borders
• Application and approval process takes months (too late for immediate travel)
• Consider applying now for future holiday seasons

Vehicle Documentation

Land crossings require vehicle-related documentation often forgotten.

Required documents:

• Vehicle registration (current)
• Proof of insurance (meeting destination country requirements)
• Rental agreements if applicable
• Commercial vehicle permits for business use

Insurance considerations:

• US insurance may not cover Mexico travel
• Verify coverage explicitly includes international travel
• Mexican insurance required for Mexico travel beyond border zone
• Keep proof readily accessible

Pet Documentation

New 2025 CDC requirements strictly enforced.

Required for dogs entering US:

• Microchip (ISO-compatible)
• CDC Dog Import Form (must be completed online)
• Rabies vaccination documentation
• Dogs must be at least 6 months old

Special restrictions:

• Dogs from high-risk rabies countries face additional requirements
• Foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries cannot enter at land borders
• Must arrive via designated airports with CDC-approved facilities

Processing requirements:

• CDC form must be completed 2-10 days before entry
• Microchip must be implanted before form submission
• Veterinary documentation must be current

Cats and other pets:

• Generally fewer restrictions than dogs
• Still require health certificates for some destinations
• Verify specific requirements for your destination and pet type

Visa and Entry Authorization Requirements

Many destinations require advance authorization even for short visits.

Electronic travel authorizations:

• ESTA for US (required for visa waiver countries)
• eTA for Canada
• ETIAS for Europe (upcoming requirement)
• Various country-specific systems

Processing times:

• Most electronic authorizations process within hours
• Some can take up to 72 hours
• Apply at least one week before travel
• Denials require visa applications (much longer process)

Visa requirements:

• Research specific destination requirements
• Processing times vary from days to months
• Incomplete applications cause delays
• Consider using visa service if time is short

International Driving Permits

Required by many countries, often forgotten.

Where obtained:

• AAA offices (US)
• National automobile associations
• Some online services (verify legitimacy)

Requirements:

• Valid US driver’s license
• Passport photos
• Fee (typically $20-30)
• Application form

Processing:

• Usually same-day at AAA offices
• Mail processing takes 1-2 weeks
• Must obtain before departing US

Travel Insurance Documentation

Proof of coverage increasingly required.

What to carry:

• Policy number and contact information
• Coverage details document
• Emergency assistance phone numbers
• Claims procedures information

Medical coverage abroad:

• Verify US insurance covers international care
• Medicare typically doesn’t cover foreign medical costs
• Consider supplemental travel medical insurance
• Some countries require proof of coverage for entry

Vaccination and Health Documentation

Some destinations require proof of vaccinations.

Common requirements:

• Yellow fever vaccination (certain African and South American countries)
• COVID-19 vaccination or testing (requirements vary and change frequently)
• Other vaccinations depending on destination

Documentation format:

• International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card)
• Digital health passes
• Physician letters for medical exemptions

Emergency Backup Strategies

Digital and physical copies:

• Photograph all documents
• Email copies to yourself
• Store copies in cloud storage
• Leave physical copies with emergency contact
• Carry physical copies separate from originals

Emergency contact information:

• US embassy/consulate locations and phone numbers at destination
• Travel insurance emergency contacts
• Bank/credit card international contact numbers
• Emergency contacts at home with copies of your documents

Verification Checklist

Before you travel, verify:

• Passport validity (six months beyond travel dates)
• Visa or entry authorization obtained
• Children’s documents complete
• Vehicle registration and insurance current
• Pet documentation complete with CDC forms
• International driving permit if needed
• Health documentation if required
• Travel insurance proof of coverage
• Digital and physical copies of everything
• Emergency contact information compiled

What If You Discover Problems?

If you find documentation issues with limited time:

Immediate actions:

• Contact appropriate authorities immediately (passport agency, DMV, etc.)
• Explain urgent travel needs
• Ask about expedited processing
• Request emergency appointments if available
• Consider alternate destinations if current plans impossible

Document what you can:

• Bring proof of pending applications
• Carry documentation of efforts made
• Have explanation ready for border officers
• Understand that incomplete documentation may result in denied entry

Final Reminder

Documentation problems discovered at the border cannot be fixed at the border. The time to identify and correct issues is now, while options still exist.

Don’t let preventable documentation problems ruin your holiday travel. Verify everything today.