Documents Needed
Whether driving in a van or traveling via planes, trains, and buses, the documents and amount of copies you'll need obviously depends on how many and which borders you'll be crossing, but the below lists will get you most places you want to go!
No matter what, I suggest bringing a minimum of 5 paper copies of each of the below as well as having digital copies of all of the below.
*Vanlifers: you would not be wasting paper to bring 20 copies of each of the below...sounds like a lot, but you will often hand over 2-5 copies of each of these documents at each border or if shipping your vehicle.
**There are lots of places to make copies at each border crossing, and while not expensive, they can add extra time to the process so it's nice to have lots of copies on hand already.
Backpackers
1.
Passport: valid for at least 6 months past the final date of your travels
2.
Passport Photo: For visa applications and sometimes for buying SIM cards; standard size = 2x2 inches
3.
Drivers License: useful for renting cars/motorbikes & as another form of ID
4.
International Drivers License: Valid for 1 year; may not use often but may help avoid a fine or bribe in some places
5.
Bank Statements: proof of sufficient funds is sometimes required to enter a country
6.
Proof of vaccinations: for required vaccinations by country visit: WHO Vaccines
7.
Copy of Travel Health Insurance Policy: for recommended insurance policies see: Health Insurance
8.
Visas: if possible, apply for visas ahead of time and bring with; for visa requirements see: Entry Requirements
Need help?
Contact me for help planning your long-term travels!
Vanlifers
1.
Passport: valid for at least 6 months past the final date of your travels
2.
Passport Photo: For visa applications and sometimes for buying SIM cards; standard size = 2x2 inches
3.
Drivers License: useful for renting cars/motorbikes & as another form of ID
4.
International Drivers License: Valid for 1 year; may not use often but may help avoid a fine or bribe in some places
5.
Bank Account(s): proof of sufficient funds is sometimes required to enter a country
6.
Proof of vaccinations: for required vaccinations by country visit: WHO Vaccines
7.
Copy of Travel Health Insurance Policy: for recommended insurance policies see: Health Insurance
8.
Vehicle Insurance: bring insurance from starting country; will purchase new insurance for each country at border as you enter new countries
9.
Vehicle Registration: ok if not valid beyond date that you leave home country but need copies
10.
Vehicle Title: Try to list both drivers on title if traveling with another person