Check your passport and personal documents before travelling

• EU citizens can travel in EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland with a valid passport or national identity card.
• For other destinations, the entry requirements of the destination country apply; nationality, purpose of stay and length of stay may all be relevant.
• The name and date of birth on the document must match the personal details on bookings.

For EU citizens, a valid national identity card is an alternative to a passport within the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Outside these countries, the destination country's entry requirements determine whether a passport, visa or other authorisation is needed. Nationality and the planned stay are covered by the relevant entry requirements. The destination country's entry requirements specify whether a passport, ID card, visa or other authorisation is required.

The authorities of neighbouring countries and the specific border route determine which crossings are accessible. Travellers of other nationalities should follow the guidance issued by their own government.

Before travelling, check that the spelling of your name and your date of birth on your travel document match those on your ticket and reservation. If the details do not match, contact the booking provider, which can arrange any necessary correction. The relevant authority in the destination country can answer questions about the document's validity or acceptance. This keeps booking details and entry documents clearly distinct.

For electronic authorisations, include the confirmation and the document number used to apply among your travel documents. If your passport is renewed after the authorisation has been issued, its continued validity depends on the rules of the issuing authority. Keep the confirmation and authorisation together with the corresponding document. If you are changing planes at a foreign airport, the route, separate tickets, baggage collection and any need to check in again all matter; these steps are part of your journey and transport.

For travel outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, the destination country's requirements apply. Depending on the country and who is accompanying the child, a birth certificate or consent form may also be required.

When travelling abroad, make sure you have contact details for the accompanying adults. Keep them separate from your travel documents; important contacts while travelling are part of your personal emergency plan.

Keep your passport, national identity card and any required authorisations accessible as originals in case you need to present them during your journey. When flying, keep the travel document you need in your hand luggage, not in checked baggage. Luggage and hand luggage can be organised around the different stages of your journey, while important documents stay with the traveller.

Secure copies can make identification easier if a document is lost. Store them separately from the originals and restrict access to people who may need them. Keeping travel documents safe digitally means making sure the files you need are available offline too. A copy cannot replace an original or replacement document at border checks or after a loss.

A travel checklist can list passports, ID cards, authorisations and booking confirmations as separate items. The travel checklist with schedule lets you link your documents to departure and arrival times. Fees and required proof of payment depend on the application process in question. For personal expenses during your trip, choosing suitable payment methods is part of managing money while travelling.

If you are leaving early or have a long journey to the departure point, you can add an overnight stay there to your schedule. Use the accommodation search by destination and location to choose a suitable location for your first night. For the rest of your preparations, see practical information on luggage and communication.

Does a child need their own travel document?

Yes. EU citizens must carry a separate valid travel document for every child travelling within the EU or to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

Is a national identity card enough for travel outside the EU?

For EU citizens, it is also accepted as a travel document in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. For other countries, acceptance depends on the destination country's entry requirements.

According to the German Federal Foreign Office, it also applies to transit through Belarus. This therefore covers both a stay in the country and travelling through it on the way to another destination.