Travel Resources: Passports, Entry Forms & Travel Safety | Traveling Wahoo

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Travel Resources

Passports, entry forms, travel safety and more, in one place. The essentials to check before you go, with links straight to the official sources.

Rules change often. We review this page regularly, but always confirm with the official source before you travel. Last reviewed October 2026. Have a question? Ask us. Helping with this is part of every trip we plan.

Before-you-go checklist

  • 3+ months out: check that every passport is valid at least 6 months past your return date, and renew if needed.
  • 1–2 months out: check entry requirements for each country, buy travel insurance, and enroll in STEP.
  • 2–4 weeks out: confirm reservations, check your phone plan for international use, and order any currency you want in hand.
  • 1 week out: complete required entry forms (like the Dominican Republic e-Ticket), make copies of your documents, and check travel advisories.
  • 24–48 hours out: check in online, confirm transfers, charge devices, and pack medications in your carry-on.

Passports & ID

The 6-month rule

Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, and airlines can refuse boarding if it isn’t. Check your passport’s expiration date as soon as you start planning.

New passports and renewals

Processing times change throughout the year, so apply early, especially before spring and summer travel. Many adults can renew online. Check current processing times and options on the U.S. State Department’s site: travel.state.gov/passports (opens in a new tab).

REAL ID for flights within the U.S.

Since May 7, 2025, adults need a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or another acceptable ID, such as a passport, to fly within the United States. See tsa.gov/real-id (opens in a new tab).

Keep copies

Take a photo of your passport’s photo page and email it to yourself, and carry a paper copy separate from your passport. It makes replacing a lost passport much faster.

Entry forms & e-Tickets

Dominican Republic e-Ticket (required)

Every passenger flying into or out of the Dominican Republic on a commercial flight must complete the free electronic entry and exit form, the e-Ticket. One person can fill it out for up to six family members on the same trip. Complete it before you get to the airport, and keep the QR code on your phone.

Use only the official site: eticket.migracion.gob.do (opens in a new tab). The e-Ticket is free. Lookalike websites charge fees for the same form, so if a site asks for payment, close it.

Europe

Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now in place at Schengen-area borders. On your first visit, expect a fingerprint and photo check at passport control, with nothing to do in advance. A separate pre-travel authorization called ETIAS is planned but is not live yet. Follow official updates at travel-europe.europa.eu (opens in a new tab).

United Kingdom

U.S. citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the U.K. Apply only through the official U.K. government site: gov.uk/eta (opens in a new tab).

Everywhere else

Each country sets its own rules for visas, passport validity and entry forms. The State Department’s country pages are the best place to start: travel.state.gov international travel (opens in a new tab). Planning with us? We’ll check these for you.

Travel safety

Check travel advisories

The State Department rates every country from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel), and advisories can differ by region within a country. See current advisories (opens in a new tab).

Enroll in STEP

The free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program lets the nearest U.S. embassy reach you in an emergency and sends you safety updates for your destination. Enroll at step.state.gov (opens in a new tab).

Everyday smart habits

  • Share your itinerary with someone at home.
  • Use the hotel safe for your passport and extra cards, and carry only what you need.
  • Use official taxis or pre-arranged transfers, and avoid public Wi-Fi for banking.
  • Be wary of unsolicited offers, “helpful” strangers and websites charging for free government forms.
  • Save the local emergency number and the nearest U.S. embassy contact in your phone.

Airport & flying

Faster security and customs

TSA PreCheck speeds up airport security in the U.S., and Global Entry speeds up customs when you return from abroad (it also includes PreCheck). Learn more at tsa.gov/precheck (opens in a new tab) and cbp.gov/global-entry (opens in a new tab). Without Global Entry, U.S. citizens can use CBP’s free Mobile Passport Control app at many airports.

Packing for security

Carry-on liquids follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule, with some exceptions for medications and baby formula. Check what you can bring at tsa.gov “What Can I Bring?” (opens in a new tab).

E-tickets and boarding passes

Your airline e-ticket confirmation and mobile boarding pass live in your email and the airline’s app. Download the app, check in 24 hours ahead, and screenshot your boarding pass in case the airport Wi-Fi is slow.

Health & insurance

Destination health information

Check recommended vaccines and health notices for your destination at the CDC’s Travelers’ Health site (opens in a new tab), ideally 4–6 weeks before you go.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance can cover trip cancellation, delays, lost luggage and medical care abroad. Many U.S. health plans, including Medicare, offer little or no coverage outside the country, so check your plan. We can help you compare options.

Medications

Pack medications in your carry-on in their original containers, bring a few extra days’ supply, and carry a list of your prescriptions.

Money & phones

  • Cards: bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, plus a backup card kept separately.
  • Currency: when a card machine asks whether to pay in dollars or the local currency, choose the local currency for a better rate.
  • Cash: use bank ATMs rather than airport exchange counters for better rates.
  • Phones: ask your carrier about an international plan, or use an eSIM for data. Turn off data roaming if you don’t have a plan.

Families, cruises & accessibility

Traveling with children

Children need their own passports for international travel. If a child is traveling with only one parent or with another adult, carry a signed consent letter from the absent parent or parents. Some countries require it and airlines may ask.

Cruises

Even when a cruise allows other documents, bring a passport. If you miss the ship or need to fly home from a foreign port, you’ll need one.

Travelers with disabilities

TSA Cares offers help through airport security for travelers with disabilities or medical conditions. Call ahead or request help at tsa.gov/passenger-support (opens in a new tab). Tell us about any accessibility needs, and we’ll make sure your hotels, transfers and cruise cabins are set up for you.

For veterans

  • Care for service-connected conditions abroad: the VA’s Foreign Medical Program (opens in a new tab) may cover care related to service-connected conditions while you travel.
  • Veteran ID: carry your VA or Veteran ID card. Some airlines, hotels and attractions offer military or veteran discounts.
  • Group trips for posts and chapters: memorial tours, conventions and member getaways, with no planning fee for veteran organizations. See veteran organization trips.

Let us handle the details

Passports, entry forms, insurance and timing are all part of every trip we plan. You focus on the moments. We handle everything else.

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