Traveling across state or provincial lines, it is imperative to carry your personal identification. Picture ID such as a driver's license, student card or state-issued ID are acceptable forms that should be carried on your person.
Carrying your birth certificate may become necessary when crossing international borders or when traveling with children. Birth certificates showing both names of parents or proof of guardianship are required in most states and provinces. Birth certificates are also good to carry if you hold an immigrant status in your country of residence or if you need an additional piece of ID.
Having a valid passport is essential for traveling abroad. Passports are essential in order to enter the United States as well as Canada as a result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, established to prevent terrorists entering the country. All other international destinations require at minimum a passport. Application fees and procedures vary by country, as does the waiting period for issuing.
In some cases, emergency travel documents are needed. In the event of a death in the family or other emergency, country consulates will issue emergency travel documents for you to be able to travel internationally. Some consulates will even waive the fee due to extenuating circumstances.
When traveling for business, on an exchange program, for extended stays or entering specific countries worldwide, a visa may need to be issued. Most countries will not require a visa if visiting for pleasure purposes for less than 90 days. Visas are generally documents attached to your passport and alert custom guards of your intended purpose for entering the country. If you are working abroad or planning to stay in the country for an extended period of time, you will need to apply to that country's embassy or consulate for specific visas. Working visas, temporary visas, working holiday visas and student visas are some of the most common.
