What do I Need to Travel Internationally?

Hey Kojo, I have never left my home country before and I am hoping to take my very first international trip soon. The problem is I honestly do not know where to start. Do I need a passport, a visa, or some kind of special documents? I want to be prepared so I do not run into issues at the airport or when I arrive in another country. Could you please explain what someone like me would need in order to travel internationally without stress?

Hey, thanks for reaching out! I still remember my very first international trip (which was to Malta) and how overwhelming it felt, so I completely understand where you’re coming from. The good news is once you know the basics, the whole process becomes much easier.

First, the number one thing you need is a passport. That’s your ticket to the world. Without it, you won’t even get past the check-in counter. If you don’t already have one, apply as soon as possible because processing times can take weeks, sometimes even months depending on your country.

Now, let me share something personal. I travel with a Ghanaian passport, and honestly, it’s not the strongest one out there. In fact, it’s considered quite restrictive compared to passports from Europe or North America. I can’t just wake up, book a flight, and land in most places. For me, visas are almost always part of the process. Sometimes that means filling out endless forms, paying high fees, waiting weeks for approval, and even dealing with rejections.

But here’s the important thing to know. A “weak” passport doesn’t mean you can’t see the world. It just means you need to plan smarter and be more persistent. I’ve used my Ghanaian passport to travel to dozens of countries. Yes, I’ve had to apply for visas more often than I’d like, but each time I’ve gone through the process, it’s been worth it. The view from the airplane window, stepping into a new culture, walking through streets I had only seen in photos. The truth is that none of that is stopped by the color of your passport.

Standing by the Singapore River, one of many places I’ve explored across continents, I’ve learned that preparation is key to traveling smoothly.

Do you require a visa for your destination?

Next, check whether the country you want to visit requires a visa. A visa is simply put a kind of permission from that country to enter, and the rules vary a lot. Some places are visa-free for certain passports, others offer visas on arrival, and many require you to apply online or at their embassy before you travel. For example, with my Ghanaian passport, I have access to some countries without a visa (mostly in Africa and parts of Asia), but for Europe, the U.S., I had to prepare carefully and apply in advance. The safest way is always to visit the official government or embassy website of the country you want to visit.

More often than not, if you need a visa to visit a country, you may need to submit the following supporting documents:

• Bank statements
• Invitation letters
• Proof of employment or business ownership

Having these ready makes the visa process smoother and can even help at immigration. With my Ghanaian passport, I’ve noticed officers pay closer attention, so I always carry more documents than I think I’ll need.

And one more tip you should take note of is to make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel dates. Many countries will not let you in if your passport is too close to expiring. I once had a trip almost ruined because I didn’t notice my passport was just under six months from expiration. But luckily I caught it in time.

Check Health and Vaccination Requirements

Some countries won’t let you in without proof of certain vaccines. The most common one is the Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, which is required if you’re coming from or have recently traveled through parts of Africa or South America where the disease is present.

Since I travel with a Ghanaian passport, I know this firsthand. For example, most African travelers visiting Singapore (one of my favorite countries) must show a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate before they’re allowed entry.

I treat that little yellow card as almost a second passport. It lives permanently in the same folder as my travel documents so I never forget it. Beyond Yellow Fever, some destinations may also check for other vaccines, especially in times of outbreaks. That’s why it’s always wise to research health requirements well in advance and not leave it to chance.

Get Travel Insurance

Some destinations require it (like Europe’s Schengen area). For example, when I visited Switzerland a few years ago, I had to show proof of valid travel insurance as part of my visa application. Without it, I wouldn’t have even been considered for entry. But that being said, even if travel insurance isn’t mandatory, I strongly recommend it. Travel insurance protects you if you get sick abroad, lose your bags, or have a trip canceled. I treat it like a safety net I hope never to use, but I always feel better knowing it’s there.

Book Your Flight and Accommodation

Most immigration officers will want to see proof of a return ticket and where you’ll be staying. Even for visa applications, I’ve had to show confirmed itineraries. I normally advise travelers to book flights and hotels with free cancellation options so they don’t lose money if plans change.

At the Airport

Arrive early! Trust me, airports can be unpredictable, and giving yourself extra time saves you from unnecessary stress. I usually aim to get there at least three hours before an international flight. Keep all your documents (your passport, visa, boarding pass, vaccination card, and any supporting paperwork) in one folder so you don’t scramble at the counter when someone asks for them.

Immigration officers might ask simple but direct questions like, “Why are you visiting?”, “How long will you stay?”, or “Where will you be staying?”. Don’t panic when they do. Just answer honestly, politely, and of course with some confidence. I’ve noticed that if you hesitate too much or seem unsure, it can make officers suspicious. But if you’re calm and clear, the process usually goes smoothly.

I still remember my first few trips when I was nervous facing immigration officers, especially with my Ghanaian passport, because sometimes they tend to ask even more questions. But over time I learned that preparation is key. If you’ve got your documents in order and you know your plans, you really have nothing to worry about.