5 Essential Documents Needed When You Travel Abroad

1. Passport

It is highly recommended you carry a valid passport while travelling to the United States. It is the only reliable & universally accepted identification document. The passport includes your personal details and country of origin. Some countries do not require a passport but require photographic identification and a proof of citizenship-citizenship card or birth certificate. However, these extra requirements vary from one country to another.
To avoid any inconveniencies including flight cancellation, obtain a valid passport before travelling.
Altering, selling or allowing the use of your passport by another person is a criminal offence. You can be charged & imprisoned if convicted or be denied passport services.

2. Travel Insurance

Most insurance policies do not cover you while abroad. It is therefore necessary to make arrangements for supplementary insurance that covers; disability, health, trip cancellation, driving, vehicle and life. This should be done before leaving country of residence.

Travel insurance helps you avoid huge expenses that you might incur for medical treatment & hospitalization outside the country of residence. Foreign hospitals are known not to treat internationals that don’t have proper insurance or cash. This can also lead you to paying debts for years.

You can buy the travel insurance from your insurance broker, travel agent, or you’re your insurance provider. Do not assume that the insurance covers your uncertainties 100%.

3. Nexus

This allows persons with this card to pass boarders without regular questioning procedures. The travelers are pre-approved and given a Nexus card.

Eligibility information

The applicants should have these minimum requirements before acquiring Nexus;
• Be a citizen of U.S / have lived there for at least 3 years or Canada.
• Must not have violated custom rules & regulations.
• Must not have a criminal record.
• Must undergo security check from both countries.
• Must comply with minimum admissions of both countries.

Nexus application charges an applicant fee of $50 and the applicant must be 18+ years.
Nexus application may take 6-8 weeks for approval.
Nexus card is valid for 5 years.

4. Visas

This is an official document that is usually glued inside a passport or stamped and gives permission to its holder to enter a foreign country.

There is a processing fee and waiting time may vary from one country to another. Most common visas are under; student, tourist, business and work visas.
You must have a passport in order to get a visa. Also, you must come to the officer in person. If not possible, mail your passport using secure mail and include a self-addressed envelope for return.

Visa requirements:

• 90 applying days
• Diplomatic/special visa holders to crosscheck information since more information is required compared to a regular visa
• Don’t worry. Some countries offer visas after arrival though it’s not common
• Make sure your visa has blank pages. If filled up, apply for a new one

5. International cert of vaccination

Due to the risk of spreading diseases, most countries insist that you should be vaccinated against diseases like yellow fever. You are awarded this document after a vaccination and you can get this vaccination at any yellow fever vaccination center. You risk a rejection if you do not comply with these regulations to countries that make it a mandatory requirement.

These are the5 essential documents needed when you travel abroad.

Apply for ESTA today. A successful application will give you approximately 90 days to stay in the U.S either for business or leisure. Apply now and enjoy your stay in your dream country, U.S