A travel document folder for a first international trip: what goes in it

Short answer: make one folder for the originals you must show, and a second, separate set of copies. Fill it a week before you leave, so there is time to fix anything that is missing.

Originals folder.

• Passport: Smartraveller says some countries will not let you in unless the passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave. Check the rule of each country on your route, not only the destination.
• Visas: India's Ministry of External Affairs advises making sure you have the right visas for the countries you visit or transit, and checking any other entry or exit requirements.
• Tickets and bookings: flight tickets including onward or return, and hotel confirmations for the first nights.
• Insurance: Smartraveller advises comprehensive cover that fits the places and activities. Put the policy number and the helpline in the folder.
• Other items: any extra documents for children, or an International Driving Permit if you plan to drive, as Smartraveller's checklist lists.

Copies folder. The US State Department's checklist and Smartraveller give similar advice: make copies of your passport, visas and insurance policy, keep one set with you separate from the originals, and give one to a trusted person at home. The US page also suggests photos on your phone. Our suggestion is to keep phone photos in a locked folder, not in a shared album.

How to arrange it.

• Put the folder in your carry-on, not in checked baggage.
• Order the papers in the order you will need them: passport and visa first, then ticket, then hotel, then insurance.
• Add one page with the hotel address, a local contact and a family contact.
• Do a last check at home: each name matches the passport, each date is right.

What not to keep in the folder. Card numbers, PINs and passwords do not belong with the documents.

For your own trips. If this is your first international trip and you want help sorting the visa and booking steps, send us a trip-planning inquiry.