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<blockquote data-quote="KJ" data-source="post: 70652" data-attributes="member: 1"><p><h2>Visas and Passports</h2><h4>Do I need a visa to transit...?</h4><p>Most countries do not require travelers to have a visa for an international transit where you do not leave the secure area of the airport (known as an airside transit). However, there are exceptions to this rule for some nationalities, most notably for the United States, Canada, the UK, and the Schengen Area. For the U.S. and Canada, if you require a visa or electronic authorization to enter the country, you will need one to transit. For the UK and the Schengen Area, there are nationalities that require a visa to enter, but don't require one to transit. The UK has <a href="https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa" target="_blank">a wizard</a> to confirm whether a visa is required (for transit, or any other purpose). The EU maintains <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/document/download/b4c96db2-f9ff-4fba-8106-89a52c9c4121_en?filename=annex_7a_atv_common_list_en.pdf" target="_blank">a list of nationalities</a> that require visas for airside transits at any Schengen airport as well as <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/document/download/7337515c-60a1-4510-b639-80de714f543e_en?filename=annex_7b_atv-national_lists_en.pdf" target="_blank">a list of nationalities</a> that require visas for airside transits at <em>some</em> Schengen airports. Note that there be exceptions to the transit visa requirement for holders of residence permits or visas to certain other countries.</p><p></p><p>In all cases, if you do not need a visa to enter a country, you won't need one to transit airside. (See <em>Do I need a visa to go to...?</em> above.)</p><p></p><h4>Can I leave the airport during a layover?</h4><p>As long as you meet the entry requirements for the country, you are generally permitted to leave the airport. In the vast majority of cases, if you need a visa to enter the country for a multi-day tourist visit, you will need one for even a couple hours' layover there. However, some countries (e.g. China) will give exceptions for transiting passengers of some nationalities.</p><p></p><h3>I'm a dual citizen. How do I use two different passports on my travels?</h3><p>The key is to show check-in the passport you want to use at your destination, and to always show exit immigration (if it exists) the passport you used when entering.</p><p></p><p>For example, say you are flying round-trip from Paris to Beijing (and back), and are a dual UK–Ecuadorean citizen. You used your UK passport to enter France (and want to use it again to enter France), and you want to use your Ecuadorean passport to enter China.</p><p></p><ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">When departing Paris, show the airline your Ecuadorean passport. They are satisfied that you meet entry requirements for China (since Ecuadorean citizens don't need Chinese visas for short stays).</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">When clearing exit immigration in Paris, produce your UK passport, which was the passport used to enter France.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">When arriving in Beijing, show the Ecuadorean passport, which again does not require a visa for a short stay in China.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">When departing Beijing, show the airline your UK passport. They are satisfied that you meet entry requirements for France (since UK citizens don't need French visas).</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">When clearing exit immigration in Beijing, produce your Ecuadorean passport, which was the passport used to enter China.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">When arriving in Paris, produce your UK passport, which again does not require a visa for France.</li>
</ul><p>Note that some countries may require their citizens, even if they have other nationalities, to enter their country using the passport of that country.</p><p></p><h3>I am a U.S. citizen. Do I need a passport to go to Canada?</h3><p>Short answer: Yes.</p><p></p><p>When arriving by land or sea, Canada <a href="https://travel.gc.ca/returning/travelling-to-canada" target="_blank">only requires U.S. citizens</a> to provide proof of citizenship, which can include just a birth certificate, along with photo ID. However, since at least 2009, adults entering the U.S. have been required to present a valid passport, U.S. passport card (by land or sea only), Enhanced Driver’s License (also by land or sea only), card for a Trusted Traveler Program (e.g. NEXUS or Global Entry), or some other document showing citizenship and identity; a birth certificate is no longer sufficient.</p><p></p><p>When travelling by air, you will be prevented from boarding without proper documentation. If traveling overland, you may be permitted re-entry to the U.S. if your identity and U.S. citizenship can be verified.</p><p></p><h3>I have changed my name on my driver's license, but my U.S. passport is still in my maiden name. Is this going to be an issue while traveling?</h3><p>Your driver's license is only relevant while driving. In virtually all other cases, all that matters is your passport, which is your ultimate form of ID. As long as reservations (flights, hotels, etc.) match the name on your passport, you should be fine.</p><p></p><h2>Traveling in the US</h2><h3>Do I need to show a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination to travel within the US?</h3><p>No, there are no requirements to show a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination for wholly domestic travel.</p><p></p><h3>Can I use an American driver's license to fly domestically within the US? I heard you need a passport.</h3><p>Nothing has changed recently. US driver's licenses and state IDs are still accepted as ID for domestic travel, although you can use a passport if you prefer. Technically, if you show up without proper ID, provided your identity can be verified, you can still pass through security and board. Of course, ID requirements are different for international travel.</p><p></p><p>Under current rules, starting May 3, 2023, a REAL ID-compliant form of identification (e.g. a passport or a REAL ID-compliant license) will be required. Should <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/real-id" target="_blank">a state's compliance extension</a> expire before then (which is highly unlikely), that state's IDs may be deemed insufficient.</p><p></p><p>More information is available on <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification" target="_blank">the TSA's page regarding identification</a>, which lists the acceptable forms of ID at security, and the <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/real-id" target="_blank">Dept. of Homeland Security's page on REAL ID</a>.</p><p></p><h3>I lost or do not have ID. Can I still fly in the US?</h3><p>As stated on <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification" target="_blank">their website</a>, TSA may allow you to fly without proper photo ID if it can verify your identity. Show up extra early with whatever documents, if any, you have that might assist with the process. They will use public information, such as your name and address, to confirm your identity. If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be permitted to continue flying.</p><p></p><p>Flying internationally without photo ID is typically not possible.</p><p></p><h2>Other International Travel</h2><h3>How long can I stay in/when can I return to the Schengen Area?</h3><p>Those of nationalities eligible to enter the Schengen Area without a visa may stay no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. There is no date when the 180-day period “resets”; you must consider any and all 180-day periods to ensure you are not in violation of the visa-free policy.</p><p></p><p><em>See the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/wiki/schengen" target="_blank">Schengen page on the FAQ</a> for more information.</em></p><p></p><h3>How do I get cash in other countries?</h3><p>The best approach is generally to just use an ATM/debit card to withdraw money from ATMs. Speak to your home bank to ask them what fees, if any, they charge for foreign withdrawals. Many banks will change somewhere between 0–3% for foreign transactions and potentially a flat fee (sometimes in addition to that percentage) for ATM withdrawals. You may be able to save on fees if your bank has partner banks abroad. There are also credit cards with no foreign transaction fees – i.e. no fees on purchases abroad or in other currencies. Be sure to alert your banks and credit card companies of your foreign travel so they don't block your cards on suspicion of fraud.</p><p></p><p>If you must exchange cash, note that airports generally offer very poor exchange rates. Also, when exchanging between a very common currency (e.g. USD, GBP, or EUR) and a much less common currency, it's usually wise to do so in the country of the much less common currency. Of course, you might somehow find good rates in your home country (unless your home country is the United States), so do your research. Or just use an ATM/debit card.</p><p></p><p><em>See <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/comments/3tkrwv/how_to_spend_money_overseas_and_pay_0_fees/" target="_blank">this primer</a> for suggestions on recommended bank accounts and credit cards for international travel.</em> For Americans, Charles Schwab’s checking account is frequently noted for having no foreign transaction fees and refunds on ATM fees.</p><p></p><h3>How do I use my phone abroad?</h3><p>Check your home wireless provider to see what international plans they offer. Some companies will provide decent international plans, especially for short-term stays, or have arrangements in specific countries that give you access to data, calls, and/or texts and reasonable rates.</p><p></p><p>However, if your phone is unlocked, it will likely be cheaper to buy SIM cards in the destination country or countries. Take a look at the <a href="http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Prepaid_SIM_with_data" target="_blank">prepaid SIM wiki</a> to see what options may be available to you at your destinations. Getting a prepaid SIM for short-term use is possible in most countries, although the ease of acquiring it may vary. In some countries, you need to show your passport and go to specific stores, while other countries permit you to just pick up SIM cards at convenience stores.</p><p></p><p>If traveling to multiple European countries, note that EU regulations mean that most SIMs from EU and EEU countries will work in other such countries without incurring additional roaming charges. More information about the regulation is provided on the SIM wiki on a <a href="https://prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com/wiki/European_Roaming_Unions" target="_blank">dedicated page</a> and in individual country articles for particular mobile providers.</p><p></p><p>Especially with older phones, be sure to confirm that your phone will work on <a href="http://willmyphonework.net/" target="_blank">willmyphonework.net</a>.</p><p></p><h3>I'm young and wanting to travel for the first time, any advice?</h3><p>Yes. Please see this past <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/comments/ka8dhm/megathread_young_wanting_to_travel_for_the_first/" target="_blank">Megathread for all types of advice for Young Travelers</a>.</p><p></p><h3>Are there too many stops on my Europe trip itinerary?</h3><p>Yes.</p></blockquote><p></p>

[QUOTE="KJ, post: 70652, member: 1"] [HEADING=1]Visas and Passports[/HEADING] [HEADING=3]Do I need a visa to transit...?[/HEADING] Most countries do not require travelers to have a visa for an international transit where you do not leave the secure area of the airport (known as an airside transit). However, there are exceptions to this rule for some nationalities, most notably for the United States, Canada, the UK, and the Schengen Area. For the U.S. and Canada, if you require a visa or electronic authorization to enter the country, you will need one to transit. For the UK and the Schengen Area, there are nationalities that require a visa to enter, but don't require one to transit. The UK has [URL='https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa']a wizard[/URL] to confirm whether a visa is required (for transit, or any other purpose). The EU maintains [URL='https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/document/download/b4c96db2-f9ff-4fba-8106-89a52c9c4121_en?filename=annex_7a_atv_common_list_en.pdf']a list of nationalities[/URL] that require visas for airside transits at any Schengen airport as well as [URL='https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/document/download/7337515c-60a1-4510-b639-80de714f543e_en?filename=annex_7b_atv-national_lists_en.pdf']a list of nationalities[/URL] that require visas for airside transits at [I]some[/I] Schengen airports. Note that there be exceptions to the transit visa requirement for holders of residence permits or visas to certain other countries. In all cases, if you do not need a visa to enter a country, you won't need one to transit airside. (See [I]Do I need a visa to go to...?[/I] above.) [HEADING=3]Can I leave the airport during a layover?[/HEADING] As long as you meet the entry requirements for the country, you are generally permitted to leave the airport. In the vast majority of cases, if you need a visa to enter the country for a multi-day tourist visit, you will need one for even a couple hours' layover there. However, some countries (e.g. China) will give exceptions for transiting passengers of some nationalities. [HEADING=2]I'm a dual citizen. How do I use two different passports on my travels?[/HEADING] The key is to show check-in the passport you want to use at your destination, and to always show exit immigration (if it exists) the passport you used when entering. For example, say you are flying round-trip from Paris to Beijing (and back), and are a dual UK–Ecuadorean citizen. You used your UK passport to enter France (and want to use it again to enter France), and you want to use your Ecuadorean passport to enter China. [LIST] [*]When departing Paris, show the airline your Ecuadorean passport. They are satisfied that you meet entry requirements for China (since Ecuadorean citizens don't need Chinese visas for short stays). [*]When clearing exit immigration in Paris, produce your UK passport, which was the passport used to enter France. [*]When arriving in Beijing, show the Ecuadorean passport, which again does not require a visa for a short stay in China. [*]When departing Beijing, show the airline your UK passport. They are satisfied that you meet entry requirements for France (since UK citizens don't need French visas). [*]When clearing exit immigration in Beijing, produce your Ecuadorean passport, which was the passport used to enter China. [*]When arriving in Paris, produce your UK passport, which again does not require a visa for France. [/LIST] Note that some countries may require their citizens, even if they have other nationalities, to enter their country using the passport of that country. [HEADING=2]I am a U.S. citizen. Do I need a passport to go to Canada?[/HEADING] Short answer: Yes. When arriving by land or sea, Canada [URL='https://travel.gc.ca/returning/travelling-to-canada']only requires U.S. citizens[/URL] to provide proof of citizenship, which can include just a birth certificate, along with photo ID. However, since at least 2009, adults entering the U.S. have been required to present a valid passport, U.S. passport card (by land or sea only), Enhanced Driver’s License (also by land or sea only), card for a Trusted Traveler Program (e.g. NEXUS or Global Entry), or some other document showing citizenship and identity; a birth certificate is no longer sufficient. When travelling by air, you will be prevented from boarding without proper documentation. If traveling overland, you may be permitted re-entry to the U.S. if your identity and U.S. citizenship can be verified. [HEADING=2]I have changed my name on my driver's license, but my U.S. passport is still in my maiden name. Is this going to be an issue while traveling?[/HEADING] Your driver's license is only relevant while driving. In virtually all other cases, all that matters is your passport, which is your ultimate form of ID. As long as reservations (flights, hotels, etc.) match the name on your passport, you should be fine. [HEADING=1]Traveling in the US[/HEADING] [HEADING=2]Do I need to show a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination to travel within the US?[/HEADING] No, there are no requirements to show a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination for wholly domestic travel. [HEADING=2]Can I use an American driver's license to fly domestically within the US? I heard you need a passport.[/HEADING] Nothing has changed recently. US driver's licenses and state IDs are still accepted as ID for domestic travel, although you can use a passport if you prefer. Technically, if you show up without proper ID, provided your identity can be verified, you can still pass through security and board. Of course, ID requirements are different for international travel. Under current rules, starting May 3, 2023, a REAL ID-compliant form of identification (e.g. a passport or a REAL ID-compliant license) will be required. Should [URL='https://www.dhs.gov/real-id']a state's compliance extension[/URL] expire before then (which is highly unlikely), that state's IDs may be deemed insufficient. More information is available on [URL='https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification']the TSA's page regarding identification[/URL], which lists the acceptable forms of ID at security, and the [URL='https://www.dhs.gov/real-id']Dept. of Homeland Security's page on REAL ID[/URL]. [HEADING=2]I lost or do not have ID. Can I still fly in the US?[/HEADING] As stated on [URL='https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification']their website[/URL], TSA may allow you to fly without proper photo ID if it can verify your identity. Show up extra early with whatever documents, if any, you have that might assist with the process. They will use public information, such as your name and address, to confirm your identity. If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be permitted to continue flying. Flying internationally without photo ID is typically not possible. [HEADING=1]Other International Travel[/HEADING] [HEADING=2]How long can I stay in/when can I return to the Schengen Area?[/HEADING] Those of nationalities eligible to enter the Schengen Area without a visa may stay no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. There is no date when the 180-day period “resets”; you must consider any and all 180-day periods to ensure you are not in violation of the visa-free policy. [I]See the [URL='https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/wiki/schengen']Schengen page on the FAQ[/URL] for more information.[/I] [HEADING=2]How do I get cash in other countries?[/HEADING] The best approach is generally to just use an ATM/debit card to withdraw money from ATMs. Speak to your home bank to ask them what fees, if any, they charge for foreign withdrawals. Many banks will change somewhere between 0–3% for foreign transactions and potentially a flat fee (sometimes in addition to that percentage) for ATM withdrawals. You may be able to save on fees if your bank has partner banks abroad. There are also credit cards with no foreign transaction fees – i.e. no fees on purchases abroad or in other currencies. Be sure to alert your banks and credit card companies of your foreign travel so they don't block your cards on suspicion of fraud. If you must exchange cash, note that airports generally offer very poor exchange rates. Also, when exchanging between a very common currency (e.g. USD, GBP, or EUR) and a much less common currency, it's usually wise to do so in the country of the much less common currency. Of course, you might somehow find good rates in your home country (unless your home country is the United States), so do your research. Or just use an ATM/debit card. [I]See [URL='https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/comments/3tkrwv/how_to_spend_money_overseas_and_pay_0_fees/']this primer[/URL] for suggestions on recommended bank accounts and credit cards for international travel.[/I] For Americans, Charles Schwab’s checking account is frequently noted for having no foreign transaction fees and refunds on ATM fees. [HEADING=2]How do I use my phone abroad?[/HEADING] Check your home wireless provider to see what international plans they offer. Some companies will provide decent international plans, especially for short-term stays, or have arrangements in specific countries that give you access to data, calls, and/or texts and reasonable rates. However, if your phone is unlocked, it will likely be cheaper to buy SIM cards in the destination country or countries. Take a look at the [URL='http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Prepaid_SIM_with_data']prepaid SIM wiki[/URL] to see what options may be available to you at your destinations. Getting a prepaid SIM for short-term use is possible in most countries, although the ease of acquiring it may vary. In some countries, you need to show your passport and go to specific stores, while other countries permit you to just pick up SIM cards at convenience stores. If traveling to multiple European countries, note that EU regulations mean that most SIMs from EU and EEU countries will work in other such countries without incurring additional roaming charges. More information about the regulation is provided on the SIM wiki on a [URL='https://prepaid-data-sim-card.fandom.com/wiki/European_Roaming_Unions']dedicated page[/URL] and in individual country articles for particular mobile providers. Especially with older phones, be sure to confirm that your phone will work on [URL='http://willmyphonework.net/']willmyphonework.net[/URL]. [HEADING=2]I'm young and wanting to travel for the first time, any advice?[/HEADING] Yes. Please see this past [URL='https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/comments/ka8dhm/megathread_young_wanting_to_travel_for_the_first/']Megathread for all types of advice for Young Travelers[/URL]. [HEADING=2]Are there too many stops on my Europe trip itinerary?[/HEADING] Yes. [/QUOTE]

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