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Documents Required for
U.S. Citizens to Travel *
It
is the traveler's sole responsibility to determine what documents
are required for travel to his or her specific destination and
to make certain to have the documents available to present to
the appropriate authorities while traveling.
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Importance
of Complete and Correct Names
It is
vital that you provide your travel arranger with complete and
correctly spelled names. Nicknames, maiden names, and incomplete
names on air tickets and other travel documents that do not exactly
match the name on official identification may result in denied
boarding. At the earliest opportunity, please check any written
materials you receive from your travel arranger to make certain
that name information is correct. Notify your travel arranger
immediately if there is a discrepancy. |
Passenger
I.D. Requirements for travel within the 50 U.S. States
All passengers over the age of 18 years must present
identification in order to board an airline flight. Passengers
unable to present required identification will be denied boarding.
Acceptable
positive proof of identification includes a current photo I.D.
issued by a local, state, or federal government entity (i.e. photo
driver’s license, official state I.D. card, military I.D.
card). If you have any questions, please contact the airline who
will be providing transportation. |
Required
for Travel Outside the United States
All passengers regardless of age will be required
to provide proof of citizenship. The best proof of citizenship
is a valid passport. Many countries require a valid passport.
Other countries may allow entry with a certified government
issued copy of a birth certificate combined with a government
issued photo I.D. Note: A hospital birth certificate
or other certificate that does not carry an official government
seal is not acceptable.
In addition
to proof of citizenship, some countries may also require a visa
be obtained in advance of travel specifically authorizing entry
to their country. Information on visas required of U.S. citizens
may be obtained from the
U.S. State Department. The consulate or embassy of the destination
country is a best source for information; contact information
for consulates and embassies is also available at the above
web link. |
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Minor
Children - Special Requirements
Children under the age of 18 are considered to
be minors by most countries. Children traveling internationally
must carry proof of citizenship. It is always a good practice
to carry the child’s birth certificate to provide proof
of parentage as well as passport. In some instances
this is mandatory. (Example: Child traveling with both
parents but whose last name does not match that of both parents,
as might be the case if a mother had retained her maiden name.)
In addition,
minor children who are not traveling with both parents must
carry notarized permission
letters from the absent parent(s). Depending on circumstances,
the affidavits required may include an “affidavit of other
parental consent,” “parental consent for unaccompanied
minor,” or “affidavit of sole custody.” Mexico
is an example of a country requiring these notarized permission
letters. Children without these letters may be denied boarding. |
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Non U.S. citizens must check with the embassy or consulate of
the destination country to determine what documents will be required
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