International Travel Checklist: 25 Things to Do Before You Fly (Printable Guide)
Most travel problems are avoidable with a few minutes of preparation: an expired passport, a missing travel authorisation, a card blocked abroad or a phone bill shock. This checklist covers everything to sort out before an international trip, in the order you should do it.
Quick answer: Check that your passport has at least six months’ validity, confirm visa or travel authorisation rules for every country (including transit), buy travel insurance, sort out cards and some local cash, plan mobile data, and check in online with your documents saved offline.
1. Two to three months before
- Check your passport validity. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your travel dates and blank pages for stamps.
- Check entry rules for every country, including countries where you only change planes. Requirements depend on your nationality.
- Apply for visas or travel authorisations through official sites only. For the UK, see our UK ETA guide; for Europe, see EES and ETIAS explained.
- Buy travel insurance as soon as you book. Read our travel insurance guide.
- Check vaccinations and health advice for your destination with a doctor or travel clinic.
2. One month before
- Book airport transfers or check public transport from the airport.
- Reserve popular attractions that sell out.
- Check your cards: foreign transaction fees, ATM charges and whether they work abroad. See how to pay abroad without high fees.
- Plan mobile data: roaming bundle, a local SIM, or an eSIM. Check your phone is unlocked if you plan to use a local SIM.
- Check driving rules if you will rent a car. Some countries require an International Driving Permit.
3. One week before
- Save digital and paper copies of your passport, visas, insurance and bookings, and share them with someone at home.
- Download offline maps and translation apps.
- Check baggage rules for each airline, including cabin bag size and weight.
- Refill prescriptions and pack enough medication for the trip plus extra days.
- Check the weather at your destination and pack accordingly.
- Arrange pet care, plant watering and mail.
4. The day before
- Check in online and download boarding passes.
- Check your flight status and know your rights if it is delayed. See our guides to EU and UK compensation and US refund rules.
- Charge all devices and pack chargers and a universal adapter.
- Get some local currency or confirm you can withdraw it on arrival.
5. Packing essentials
| Carry-on bag | Checked bag |
|---|---|
| Passport, visas and printed bookings | Most clothes and shoes |
| Wallet, cards and some cash | Toiletries over the liquid limit |
| Phone, charger and power bank (power banks must go in cabin baggage) | Spare chargers and adapters |
| Medication and prescriptions | Beach or winter gear |
| A change of clothes | |
| Valuables, jewellery and electronics |
Liquid rules for hand luggage vary by airport, so check your departure airport’s current rules before you pack.
6. On the day you fly
- Arrive early: generally two to three hours before international flights, more at busy times.
- Allow extra time at borders where new biometric checks such as Europe’s EES apply.
- Keep documents in one easy-to-reach place.
- Stay alert to scams in arrival halls; see our guide to common tourist scams.
- Tell someone at home your arrival plans.
Frequently asked questions
How much passport validity do I need?
Many countries require six months beyond your travel dates. Some require less, but six months is the safe rule.
Do I need a visa just to change planes?
Sometimes. Transit rules depend on your nationality and whether you pass through immigration. Always check.
When should I buy travel insurance?
As soon as you book your trip, so cancellation cover starts immediately.
Should I carry cash when travelling abroad?
Yes, a small amount for arrival and places that do not take cards, but rely mainly on low-fee cards.
How early should I get to the airport for an international flight?
Generally two to three hours before departure, and more during peak periods.