International Travel Documents Checklist for Indian Travellers

Who this checklist is for#

This guide is for Indian passport holders leaving from Chennai on a holiday, family visit or short business trip. It covers the documents that are checked most often — by the airline at check-in, by Indian immigration on departure and by immigration at your destination.

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026. Entry rules differ by country and change often. Always confirm the current rules on your destination's official government or embassy website before you travel. Visa decisions are made only by the embassy or immigration authority, and nobody can guarantee approval.

1. Passport#

Your passport is the one document no other paper can replace. Check it as soon as you start planning, because a renewal through Passport Seva can take time.

• Validity: many countries require at least six months' validity from your date of arrival; Schengen states require at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Check your destination's rule.
• Blank pages: keep at least two empty visa pages.
• Condition: a damaged, torn or water-stained passport can be refused at check-in.
• Name match: the name on your ticket and visa must match your passport exactly.

2. Visa or entry permission#

Depending on the country you may need a visa issued before travel, an e-visa, an electronic travel authorisation, a visa on arrival or nothing at all. Carry a printed copy of any e-visa or approval — airlines may ask for it before issuing your boarding pass.

If you are transiting through another country, check whether a transit visa is required for your airport and passport.

3. Tickets and accommodation#

Immigration officers commonly ask how long you will stay and where. Keep these ready on paper and on your phone:

• Return or onward flight ticket
• Hotel bookings for every night, or an invitation letter with your host's address
• A simple day-by-day itinerary for visa applications that ask for one

4. Travel insurance#

Some destinations make medical travel insurance compulsory — Schengen visas, for example, require cover of at least €30,000 for the whole stay. Even where it is optional, insurance covering medical emergencies, trip delays and lost baggage is strongly recommended. Carry the policy document and the insurer's emergency number.

5. Money and forex#

Plan how you will pay abroad: a forex card, foreign currency notes, an international debit or credit card, or a mix. Foreign exchange for travel is governed by RBI rules, and an authorised dealer will ask for your passport, visa and ticket when you buy currency. Keep your purchase receipt — you may need it to convert unused currency back.

For visa applications, keep your recent bank statements and income-tax returns ready, as many embassies ask for proof of funds.

6. Health and other documents#

• Vaccination certificates if your destination requires them (for example, yellow fever for certain countries)
• Prescriptions for any medicines you carry, in original packaging
• Two or three passport-size photos that meet the destination's photo rules
• For minors travelling with one parent: a consent letter from the other parent may be required
• Driving licence plus an International Driving Permit if you plan to drive

Common mistakes to avoid#