Entry and Exit Requirements
General Information about Entry/Exit Requirements
When traveling internationally, there are often a wide range of rules/regulations a traveler must be aware of when planning their journey.
The most common requirement is that travelers must have a valid passport for traveling outside of their home country ā but there may be additional requirements for entry/exit depending on factors like the country you are traveling to, length of stay, and purpose of visit.
Examples of Entry/Exit Requirements
Below are some common requirements to look for when researching travel to another country. This list is not exhaustive list, but can help you get started:
- Passport
- U.S. citizens canāÆ āÆāÆthrough the U.S. Department of State. If you are exploring options within the coming year, we encourage you to apply early for your passport.
- Validity/Expiration Dates: Many destinations require that your passport does not expire until after your planned stay. Most commonly, your passport needs to be valid for at least 3 or 6 months beyond your entry date.
- Blank Pages for Stamp: Many destinations require having one blank page for entry stamp.
- Some countries also will not permit entry if you have an X gender marker listed, an emergency passport, etc.
- Length of Stay: Countries may have different requirements for entry depending on your length of stay. Most commonly - the longer you plan to stay within the location/region, the more likely you will need a visa.
- Purpose of Visit: Many countries will have different requirements depending on what you are doing during your stay. Tourist/personal travel usually are the most flexible pathways that wouldn't require a visa, while trying to seek employment or enroll at a foreign institution may be more complicated and require a visas/additional documentation.
- Vaccination Status: Some countries have vaccination requirements for entry. These could be blanket vaccination requirements (all individuals entering) or may depend on where a traveler has traveled through.
- Proof of Onward Travel or Funds: Travelers may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for their stay and/or a return/onward ticket.
Note: In addition to any entry/exit requirements, travelers should also research their destination for potential restricted/limited items (ex. medications) that may impact their experience.
How to Check Requirements
The most reliable sources for checking travel requirements are official government websites. These typically include:
- Your home countryās department of state.
- Embassy or consulate websites of the country youāre visiting
- Sites ending in .gov, .gov.uk, .ca, .eu, or other country-specific government codes.
For U.S. citizens:
The U.S. Department of State maintains information regarding what they may need when traveling to another country. To research a country(ies):
- Navigate to the U.S. Department of State travel website
- From this page you can find the option to ""
- You will indicate what country you are planning to visit and search for that countryās records.
- The search should take you to the country specific website, which will allow you to see a variety of information, including Current Travel Advisories, Embassy Messages, Quick Facts and Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements.
As you review the country-specific website, make sure to also check out additional sections like "Local Laws & Special Circumstances" and āHealthā as this may provide additional insight on restricted items that could impact your visit.
Watch out for Scams!
When researching requirements for travel, beware of unofficial websites and third-party services that may:
- Collect your personal data without proper protection
- Offer fake or invalid visa/entry approvals
- Charge extra fees for forms that are free from official sources.
These scams may appear as ads, social media posts, or email.
To keep your identity safe and ensure youāre following the real process ā always start your research on secure government sites and be cautious around any services promising āexpressā or āguaranteedā approvals.