Passports and Passport Cards
Learn the answers to your passport questions. Find out whether you need a passport to travel.
Passport & ID cards
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Passports & Passport Cards
What is a passport?
A passport is an official document issued by a particular country's government, which certifies the individual's identity and citizenship of that nation. A passport also allows you to travel under the protection of that country to and from foreign countries.
Do you need a passport to book a flight?
Passengers are not required to enter passport details at the point of booking. If flying internationally, passengers may be required to provide their passport details before travelling. Passport details will be also required at check in for international flights.
Lost your passport?
Take a look at our full guide on what to do if you have lost your passport, where we outline the steps you need to take if you've lost your passport while abroad.
US and Canada - Travel Document FAQs
What's the difference between a passport and a passport card?
Passport cards are wallet-sized travel documents issued in the United States that allow land border-crossings or entrance by sea to the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Passport cards are often a cheaper alternative to passport books.
Do you need a passport to go to Canada?
Canadian law requires all persons entering the country to show proof of citizenship. For citizens of the United States, this may come in the form of passport, passport card or NEXUS card. If entering Canada from a country within the Schengen region, your passport must be valid for three months from the point of entry.
Do you need a passport to go to Mexico?
A passport is required for all international travel to Mexico. Passengers flying to Mexico will need to have a valid passport or passportcard if coming from the United States. On arrival they will be required to fill out a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) which will grant them entry to the country for 180 days. To ensure a hassle-free entry into Mexico, make sure you have at least six months left on your passport from the date of entry into the country.
What do you need to go to Mexico?
When travelling to Mexico, make sure you have a valid passport with you that is valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
Do you need a passport to go to Bermuda?
Citizens of the United States are required to have a valid passport in order to travel to Bermuda. Those entering Bermuda on a cruise may be permitted to enter with a passport card rather than a passport book.
Do you need a passport to cruise to Alaska?
If you are a US Citizen who is travelling to and from Alaska from the same port in the United States. You are not currently required to carry a passport. However, cruise lines recommend you keep a valid passport with you as a form of identification in case of emergency.
Do you need a passport to fly within Canada?
In order to board a domestic flight within Canada, passengers are required to present valid ID card or passport that includes a photograph as well as the passenger's name, date of birth and gender. Examples of the appropriate travel documents include passport, citizenship card, permanent resident card, driver's license, provincial health card, provincial identity card, birth certificate, Record of Landing Form, Canadian military identification, federal police identification, Old Age Security identification card, Certificate of Indian status, Canada Border Service Agency NEXUS card, firearms license. It is important to make sure the name on your ticket matches the name on your government-issued ID. To find out how to add your name to your Alternative Airlines booking correctly, please visit our page on how to add your name to your reservation. If you have made a mistake on your flight ticket, please visit our name changes page.
Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii?
As Hawaii is one of the 50 United State of America, there is no need to have a passport to travel to Hawaii if you are a US citizen. Just as you wouldn't need a passport to travel from Florida to Texas, you are not required to have a passport to board a flight to Hawaii. However, the TSA does require passengers over the age of 18 to carry a government issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, for domestic flights within the US. If you are not a US citizen, you will be required to present a valid passport before boarding a flight to Hawaii.
Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?
Citizens of the United States are not required to travel with a passport US territories including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. However, it is always recommended for travellers to bring a valid form of photo-identification.
United Kingdom & Ireland - Travel Documents FAQ's
Do you need a passport to go to Ireland?
Ireland, is a member of the Common Travel Area. This means that British Nationals travelling to Ireland from the UK don't need a passport to visit Ireland. However, Irish immigration officers are required to check the ID of all passengers arriving in the country by air and will ask for photo ID upon your arrival into Ireland. It is therefore recommended that you bring your passport with you when flying to Ireland.
Do you need a passport to go to Jersey?
British citizens do not need to carry passports or identity cards for identification purposes when visiting Jersey. However, it is always recommended to travel with photo ID as Customs and Immigration, police officers and airline staff may ask to see it.
Do you need a passport to go to Scotland or Wales?
British citizens are not required to carry a passport to travel between England, N. Ireland, Scotland or Wales. However, if travelling by ferry or by air, passengers will be required to show a form of photo ID in order to board their ferry or flight.
Can you travel to Europe with a UK Driving license?
UK citizens are not able to travel to Europe with a driving license as the UK is not part of the Schengen region. When travelling to any country outside of the United Kingdom, passengers should bring their passport in order to board their flights. To learn more about the validity of UK passports after the UK leaves the European Union, please visit our page on flights after Brexit.
Where can you fly without a passport?
Have you ever wondered where you can travel without the hassle of a passport? The world is full of amazing destinations waiting to be explored, and sometimes, you don't need that little book to embark on your journey. On this page, you'll find your go-to resource for passport-free travel insights. We'll provide you with straightforward information to make your travel dreams a reality.
Please note that passport requirements will vary depending on each country. We advise that you conduct thorough research before your trip to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Now, let's explore where you can go without a passport!
Domestic Travel
If you're travelling within your own country, you'll be pleased to hear that you generally won't need a passport. Instead, government-issued identification like a driver's license or state ID card will suffice for most domestic flights. This makes domestic travel super easy! For example, in the United States, citizens can hop on a flight from New York to California with just their driver's license in hand. However, it's important to check your country's specific requirements, as this will vary, but for many travellers, domestic travel can be enjoyed with ease, leaving the need for a passport reserved for international journeys.
Passport-free Zones
Passport-free zones allow travellers to fly across borders without the need for constant passport checks. For example; The Schengen Area in Europe, consisting of 27 countries, allow travellers to move freely between member nations. The convenience of this arrangement is particularly appealing to tourists seeking to explore multiple European countries in one trip.
It's important to note that while border checks are rare within the Schengen Area, you may still be required to carry a valid passport or national ID card for identification purposes. Additionally, not all European countries are part of the Schengen Area, so it's essential to check entry requirements and visa regulations for your specific itinerary.
International Travel
Travellers looking to fly internationally will be required to pass through passport control and present a valid passport. This is because your passport will serve as your primary identification and entry document into foreign countries. Before travelling ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of return as many countries will require this as a standard entry requirement.
Please note that when it comes to international travel you may also be required to present a Visa. Each country has different visa requirements for travellers. We advise that you research the visa requirements for your destination well ahead of your trip.
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FAQs
Which U.S. Territories can I visit without a passport?
U.S. citizens can visit several U.S. territories without needing a passport. These territories include:
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
It's worth noting that, even though a passport might not be obligatory for visiting these U.S. territories, it's important to have a government-issued photo ID on hand while travelling. Furthermore, staying updated on any potential alterations to entry prerequisites and regulations is advisable by consulting the pertinent authorities or airlines before embarking on your journey.
What are passport-free zones?
Passport-free zones allow citizens to travel within the zone freely without going through passport and border control.
What EU countries are not in Schengen?
EU countries that are not part of the Schengen area include Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania.
How many countries are there in the Schengen area?
There are 27 countries in the Schengen Area; Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Do I really not need a passport for domestic travel?
Typically travellers can fly within their own country without a passport. Although a passport isn't generally required, you'll need other forms of government-issued identification, like a driver's license or ID card.
Can I fly internationally if my passport is expired?
No, you cannot fly internationally with an expired passport. When you fly to an international country many countries and airlines have strict regulations that require your passport to be valid for a certain period beyond your planned date of departure or entry. To find out more check out our Passport Expiry Rules page.
Can you travel to Europe without a passport from the UK?
Since the UK is no longer a member of the European Union (EU), British citizens cannot travel to most EU countries without a passport. British passport holders are generally required to have a valid passport for travel to EU countries. We advise that you check the most current travel requirements and regulations, as they may vary.