Can I travel while waiting for my passport?

Your passport is one of your most important travel documents, it is indispensable, not only do you need it to bear your visa sticker, but it also serves other great purposes.

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Your passport can be helpful in any of the following situations

• It serves as proof of your identity: Your passport is your primary means of identification and it’s recognized internationally. It contains important information about you, like your full name, date of birth, nationality, and photograph. With it, anyone can identify who you are while you are travelling.
• You need it to get a visa: There is only one way you can get a visa; if you have a valid passport. Your passport is the official document on which visas are stamped or affixed before you can enter a foreign country for tourism, business, education, or other purposes.
• Cross-border travel: Without a passport, crossing international borders will be a big challenge for you unless you are on some government-sponsored visit. The immigration authorities need it to approve your entry.
• It is helpful in emergencies: In case of emergencies while abroad, your passport can be a life-saver. It will help ID you and get you the help you need.
• You also need it for Airline check-in: Airlines require you to present a valid passport for check-in and boarding on international flights. It is a standard procedure anywhere in the world.
• It also serves as proof of citizenship: This is one of the biggest purposes of a passport. Your passport is an official document that confirms your citizenship in your home country.

Finally, passport entries and exits are recorded by immigration authorities as your travel history. With your passport, you have the freedom to travel globally.

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It is safe to say that you can’t do without your passport, however, if you applied for a passport and wondering if you can travel while waiting for your passport to arrive, you have a slim option.

There are various scenarios and considerations where you can travel while waiting for your passport.

Can I travel while waiting for my passport?

You can travel while waiting for your passport if you are taking a trip within your own country, have alternative travel documents, are facing an emergency, or already have a valid visa for your destination.

Before you go on an international trip without a passport, ensure that your destination country allows visitors from your country to enter without a passport.

Read also: Can you use a passport right after you receive it?

While some countries don’t allow visitors without a valid passport, others will allow you to enter with alternative documents like a temporary passport or emergency travel document.

However, if you are going for international travel, you should have a valid passport to avoid complications.

Do not forget that you can always check the authorities or embassy of your destination country for guidelines on entering the country.

Conditions where you can travel while waiting for my passport

You can travel while waiting for your passport under any of the following circumstances.

• If you have other travel documents: This is only allowed if your country of origin and your destination country have some “travel agreement”. In this case, you can provide alternative travel documents and you will be allowed into the country. You can use documents like your national ID card, refugee travel document, or emergency travel document that is issued by your country’s embassy or consulate. If you are travelling with alternative documents, reach out to your destination country’s embassy to get the list of documents you can use in place of your passport.
• If you are travelling within your country: In many countries, if you are going on domestic travel within the country’s borders, it does not require a passport. You can get any government-issued ID like a driver’s license or national ID card in place of a passport. For domestic flights, train journeys, and other local travel like if you’re travelling by car within your own country, your valid driver’s license is all you need.
• If there is an emergency: In urgent situations where you must travel (maybe in a matter of life and death like medical emergencies or family emergencies abroad), you can get an emergency travel document from your embassy or consulate in place of your passport. Emergency documents are “temporary travel documents”, you will use them until you receive your new passport.
• If it’s a transit travel: If your travel involves transiting through a country where you do not need to leave the international transit area (e.g., layovers at airports), you may not need a passport for that specific leg of your journey. However, before you go on this journey, confirm the transit visa requirements to avoid having issues with the authorities.
• If you have a pre-approved visa: If you have already gotten a visa for your destination and your passport is being processed for renewal or replacement, your visa may still be valid with your old passport. If it is still valid, you can transfer it to your new passport upon issuance.
• If you have backup documents: Some countries allow you to use a digital copy of your passport or other digital documents that can act in the capacity of your passport to cross its border. In such a situation, you can travel while waiting for your passport.

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What to do before travelling while waiting for your passport

Before you jump on the next available flight to your destination while waiting for your passport, ensure you do the following:

• Check your destination country travel requirements: Verify if your destination country accepts alternative travel documents like a national ID card or emergency travel document from citizens of your nation. In addition, check their entrance regulations.
• Get other important travel documents: If alternative travel documents are allowed, make sure that you have them before your trip.
• Carry backup documents before leaving: Make copies of all your documents like your passport (if available), visa (if applicable), alternative travel documents, and travel itinerary. Keep the copies with you.
• Get travel insurance: Well, you will need travel insurance – it is important.
• Have your country’s embassy or consulate on speed dial: Ensure you have the contact details of your country’s embassy in your destination country – they will be helpful should anything happen.

I just got my first passport. Do I have to wait 6 months to travel?

No, you don’t have to wait six months to travel after getting your first passport. You can use your passport immediately once you receive it because there’s no mandatory waiting period before travelling.

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Tips for travelling while waiting for your passport

If you must travel while waiting for your passport, then verify that entrance without a valid passport is allowed in your destination country before leaving your home country.

In addition, check if they will allow you to enter with other documents like your national ID card, emergency travel documents, or driver’s licence.

Finally, make copies of your important identifying documents and travel with them.

Read also: What happens if you lose your passport in another country

Generally, we recommend that you wait for your passport to be completely processed and issued to you before going on any international trips.

However, if you need to travel unavoidably while waiting for your passport, you can explore alternative options.