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Formalities, insurance and documents: the pre-departure checklist
These are the least glamorous steps… but the ones that can stop you at boarding. Here's the checklist to sort out early.
In short
Before leaving, check your passport's validity, any visa required for the destination, your vaccinations and your travel insurance. Keep copies of your documents, on paper and digitally, and always consult official sources before each trip.
Five blocks to anticipate: the passport (validity often required several months beyond return), any visa (with its lead times and supporting documents), travel insurance covering health and repatriation, health (recommended or required vaccinations, treatments), and backing up documents (digital and paper copies of key items). These steps have lead times you can't compress: start them as soon as the dates are set, not the week of departure.
✓Check passport validity (often 6 months beyond return)
✓Check whether a visa is needed and its lead times
✓Take out travel insurance (health + repatriation)
✓Look into recommended or required vaccinations
✓Make digital and paper copies of key documents
✓Note emergency and embassy contacts, and arrange eSIM/roaming
01Chapter 1
The passport, to check first
The passport first: check its validity well beyond your dates, as many countries require it to remain valid several months after return, sometimes with blank pages. A renewal takes weeks, more in periods of high demand: it's the first thing to check.
02Chapter 2
The visa, depending on the destination
The visa next, if one is needed. Conditions vary by nationality, duration and purpose of stay: electronic authorisation, visa on arrival or a consulate application with supporting documents (tickets, accommodation, funds). Check lead times and required documents early — a refused or late visa brings down the whole trip.
Tip
Check what your bank card or health cover already includes before taking out extra travel insurance: health, repatriation, cancellation and baggage.
03Chapter 3
Insurance and health
Travel insurance isn't optional: medical costs abroad, repatriation, cancellation, baggage. Check what your bank card or health cover already includes, then top up. For health, look into recommended or required vaccinations (some need several weeks) and prepare a suitable kit.
04Chapter 4
Secure your documents
Finally, secure your documents. Make digital copies (passport, visa, insurance, tickets, prescriptions) accessible offline and online, plus a few paper copies stored separately from the originals. In case of loss or theft, these copies greatly speed up the steps on the ground.
Passport
Validity often required months beyond return; renewal is slow.
Visa
Conditions, lead times and documents by nationality, duration and purpose.
Travel insurance
Health, repatriation, cancellation, baggage — check what's already covered.
Health & vaccines
Recommended/required vaccines, treatments, medical kit.
Document copies
Digital and paper backups, stored separately from originals.
Connectivity & contacts
eSIM/roaming, emergency and embassy numbers noted in advance.
Start
As soon as dates are set
Passport
Often valid 6 months beyond return
Visa
Variable lead times, check early
Insurance
Health + repatriation essential
Documents
Digital + paper copies
05Chapter 5
Checking official sources
Entry rules vary by nationality, destination and sometimes the purpose of the trip. The most reliable source remains the authorities: for French travellers, the travel advice section of the France Diplomatie website details formalities, safety and health country by country.
Check it a few weeks before departure, then again just before leaving, as rules can change. For another nationality, check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country.
06Chapter 6
Preparing for special cases
Some situations require extra documents: travelling with a minor, driving abroad, a long stay or a transit through a third country. Find out early, as some papers take several weeks to obtain.
If you travel with medication, keep it in its original packaging with the prescription. Also check that your insurance covers the planned activities, such as high-risk sports.
Further reading
To go further: How to plan a trip from A to Z (beginner's guide), Planning a last-minute trip and Planning a family trip with kids.
Frequently asked questions
How long must my passport be valid?
Many countries require 6 months' validity beyond the return date, sometimes with blank pages. Check the exact rule for the country you're visiting before booking, and renew early if needed.
Is travel insurance really necessary?
Yes. Medical costs or repatriation abroad can be very expensive. First check the cover from your bank card and health insurance, then top up with dedicated travel cover if needed.
What do you do if you lose documents abroad?
Having copies (digital and paper) speeds everything up. Contact the embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document, and report the loss to local authorities. Prepare these reflexes before leaving.
Where can I find the official formalities for my destination?
For French travellers, the France Diplomatie website, in its travel advice section, details entry formalities, safety and health country by country.
Do I need extra documents to travel with a child?
It depends on the destination and the situation. Check official sources, as some require, for example, an exit authorisation or a birth certificate.
What should I do if my passport expires soon?
Check the validity period required by the destination and apply for a renewal well in advance, as delays can be long.
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