You’ve been planning your trip for what seems like forever. You’ve already checked most of the things off your packing list, and the excitement is building! But wait, maybe you should double-check that you have everything you need to head out on your all inclusive vacation. Of course you have your passport, however, what about any other documentation you may need? Choose safe rather than sorry, and take a look at our Travel Documents Checklist below to make sure that you only get stopped at the gate when someone compliments you on your shoes, haircut, or smartphone.
Are you hoping that the customs agents won’t notice that your passport expires a day before your return date? Yikes! Now head over to your nearest Passport Office and get your passport renewed before your trip
Don’t you wish a passport and bathing suit were all you needed for your tropical vacation? Sigh. In the case of travel documents, we were all created equal. Have your valid passport, booking number, and e-ticket documents ready, as well as the passport, booking number, and e-ticket documents for all persons travelling in your party
Are you cruising along the Mediterranean with your sweetheart? Awww. It’s your responsibility to determine what documentation is required for any ports of call on your cruise holiday. So if you are stopping into Athens, Greece and they are asking you for a visa, make sure you’ve got it all covered, otherwise you’re staying on the boat while everyone snaps shots of the grand Acropolis and feasts on moussaka and ouzo
Were you born outside of Canada? Be sure to check with the relative Tourist Board or Consular Office of your destination(s) for visa and any other requirements
Are you a landed immigrant in Canada? In addition to your passport and any visas you may need, bring along your Permanent Residence Card for good measure
Did your passport get soggy from that time you were kayaking on thePanama Canal? Passengers with damaged passports may be denied boarding, and you just might have to say “adios” to your tropical vacation, for now, while you replace your tattered and torn I.D.
Are you wondering if your passport needs to be valid for a specified amount of time? Tourist Boards in the countries you are visiting are pros with these questions. Be warned, however, that several countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months to welcome you into their country
Are you a super mom or dad braving the world of single parenthood?Exercising caution is a great way to properly prepare for the challenges that may come your way when travelling with kids. Lawyers will consult you on the necessary arrangements, and it is always good to get a consent letter from the other parent, if possible. Examples of consent letters can be found on the Government of Canada travel portal
Born in Cuba? Even if you have Canadian or U.S. citizenship, make sure to get a stamped “permission” letter from the Cuban authorities before you travel to your tropical destination
How many times will my documents be checked? Ideally, you should have your documents accessible at all times to airport and airline officials. You’re on their turf, so you’ll want to follow their rules
Are you looking to your airline to help you through your “I don’t have the proper documents” conundrum? Sorry. Airlines are not going to feel your pain, and they won’t take responsibility in these cases, no matter how adorable your pout
Are you a newlywed who is eager to start using your new name? Hold up! If you haven’t yet renewed your passport with your new name, then you will have to ensure that your e-ticket still reflects your maiden name
Are you travelling with kids? Hooray! All travellers, including infants, need a valid passport, even if their tongue is sticking out and they are drooling in their passport photo. Make sure to also bring along a birth certificate with mom and dad’s name on it. Each family is unique, so each travel experience will follow suit, make sure you have all the valid documentation when travelling with your tiny tots
Is Tommy or Tanya travelling alone to meet Grandma down south, or overseas? If your tween or teen is travelling across international borders alone, it would help to enroll him/her in the Unaccompanied Minor program
Are you flying to Florida or Las Vegas? Yeah, baby! If you hold a passport other than Canadian or U.S., there are a few changes to note, since it will require you to do a little bit of legwork before you travel
Do you have a medical condition? Discuss this with a representative who will ask you to fill out a form during the vacation booking process. If necessary, you might want to ask your physician to write a “fit to travel” letter detailing your condition, prescription information, and the type of assistance you may require
Is your family throwing a big reunion in Nanaimo, B.C. this year? Passports are good to have with you, and other I.D. like a Citizenship Card, Permanent Resident Card, Driver’s Licence, Provincial Health Card, provincial or territorial Government I.D. cards (GICs), birth certificates, Canadian military I.D., a Work Permit, a Study Permit, Indian Status Card, and others can be requested for additional screening purposes
Did you lose or have your documents stolen? Stay calm. Start the replacement process immediately, and try to get temporary government-issued identification. Birth certificates can be faxed over to the air carrier. If you were unlucky enough to get your docs stolen, you’ll need to file a police report with a friendly officer
Always keep in mind that as you travel and leave your footprint in the sand of silky smooth, turquoise beaches, you learn more about other cultures, places and your place in the world. When you look back fondly at your memories and experiences in the sun, and sometimes even laugh at the mishaps, you’ll realize that all that priming and prepping was a small price to pay.
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