Identity and entry
Start with the document you will be asked for first. Check that your passport or ID card is valid for the whole trip and, where relevant, for any period beyond it that your destination requires. Confirm whether you need a visa or electronic travel authorisation, and apply through official channels if so.
Look at your booking confirmation and compare the names with your documents. Small differences, such as a missing middle name or a swapped first and last name, can cause problems at boarding. If you spot an error, contact the airline well before travel.
Health and insurance
If you have a European Health Insurance Card or a similar card from your country, check its expiry date and pack it. It can give access to state healthcare in other EU countries on the same terms as residents, but it is not a substitute for travel insurance. Keep your travel insurance policy number and emergency helpline number to hand, both on your phone and on paper.
Carry prescriptions or a doctor's letter for any important medication, especially if you are carrying injectable or controlled medicines.
Bookings and extras
Gather confirmations for flights, accommodation, rental cars, trains and any pre-booked tickets in one place. Check in for your AeroVista flight when online check-in opens, 72 hours before departure, and save the boarding pass. If you need special assistance at the airport, make sure it has been requested at least 48 hours before departure through Manage Booking.
If you are renting a car, pack your driving licence and the credit card in the main driver's name. Some non-EU licences may need an international driving permit, so check the rules for the country you are visiting.
Backups
Take photos of your passport or ID, cards, insurance details and key bookings, and store them in a secure cloud folder or send them to yourself. Write down a few important phone numbers on paper: your bank, your insurer and someone at home. Note the address and phone number of your country's embassy or consulate in the destination too.
Finally, tell someone at home where you are going and when. It is a small step that makes a difference if anything unexpected happens.
Good to know
- Compare the names on your booking with your passport or ID.
- Pack your European Health Insurance Card if you have one, alongside travel insurance.
- Store secure copies of key documents separately from the originals.