What id do i need to fly internationally

Travellers are reminded to check the COVID-19 entry requirements of the countries that you intend to visit.

  • Please refer to ICA’s website for more information on the entry requirements into Singapore.

  • eRegister with MFA so that we can better help you during an emergency or crisis. 

  • Apply for an Exit Permit (for National Service-liable male Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents).

  • Check the visa requirements of countries you intend to enter or transit in. As visa requirements can change at short notice, we advise you to check with your travel agencies or the relevant foreign embassies to ensure that you have the most updated visa information. Please note that visa requirements may also differ for holders of Singapore Temporary Travel Document.

Why do I need a visa?

Every country has the right to deny you entry if a visa is required and you are unable to present one. If you do not possess an appropriate visa, you may be denied entry to the country you are visiting or transiting in, ending your trip before it has even begun. We are unable to assist you in such a situation as we cannot intervene in another state’s immigration policies, just as how they cannot interfere in Singapore’s. Visas are issued for different purposes such as study, tourism, or business. Please ensure that you obtain the appropriate visa for your travel purpose, or you may be refused entry into the country.

  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, and including medical evacuation in case you encounter any unexpected emergencies. Be familiar with the terms and coverage of your policy.

Why do I need insurance?

Possessing the right travel insurance can save you a great deal of trouble should adverse situations occur.

A healthy Singaporean visiting China suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage and had to be hospitalised. Given his critical condition, the Singaporean remained hospitalised for two weeks and chalked up a daily bill of S$1,000. When he was eventually cleared by the hospital for medical evacuation back to Singapore, the flight evacuation cost almost S$60,000. Unfortunately, the Singaporean had not purchased any travel insurance and his family had to foot the entire hospital bill as well as the cost of medical evacuation amounting to S$74,000. 

If you do not have suitable insurance, you or your family and friends will be required to bear the burden of these expenses, which can be extremely costly. We therefore strongly advise you to purchase a suitable insurance policy and know the terms and conditions of your policy, before travelling abroad.

  • Check the health and vaccination requirements of your destination(s).

  • Bring your doctor’s prescription if you have to carry any medication, as you may need to show this at the customs checkpoint(s).

  • Check the customs regulations concerning import and export of items for the countries you are visiting. Some countries require travellers to declare items that are under their quarantine restrictions at the entry checkpoint.

    International travel doesn’t have to be tricky – just follow these steps to help you prepare for your trip.

    We recommend you:

    • Check if your destination has travel restrictions and entry requirements
    • Come prepared with travel documents and required paperwork
    • Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time

    Travel often?

    If you travel often, skip the paperwork and lines with:

    Travel documents and requirements

    You’re responsible to make sure you have the correct documents to enter and pass through any countries during your trip, and then make your way back home. If you don’t have the required documentation and identification, you will not be allowed to board the plane and would be responsible for any resulting costs.

    Keep in mind:

    1. Everyone traveling, regardless of age, needs their own set of travel documents.
    2. Always use the information exactly as it appears on your passport (to book and fill out any documents).
    3. Check with the consulate of every country you’re entering (or passing through) to make sure you meet all travel requirements.
    4. Some countries require proof of return or onward travel, a visiting address and sufficient funds for your stay.
    International travel with infants and children This content can be expanded

    All children, regardless of age, must have a passport and any travel documents required by the countries visited. If you’re traveling internationally with anyone under 18, you may be required to show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter of Consent or permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present.

    Traveling with children

    Passport This content can be expanded

    A passport is required for all international travel. If you're traveling anywhere overseas, you need a passport to board an international flight and to enter the country. Passport cards will not be accepted as form of I.D. for international air travel.

    Keep in mind:

    • Some countries require your passport to be issued at least 6 months before the day you arrive. Check your destination’s requirements if you’re unsure.
    • Passports must be kept in good condition, free of any damage beyond normal wear and tear, and material alterations. You may be denied boarding if you travel with a passport that appears damaged or altered.

    U.S. citizens can use any government-issued form of identification to travel between the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    More information on U.S. passports Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

    Visa and Visa Waiver Program This content can be expanded

    In addition to a passport, some countries require a visa to enter. If you’re traveling to the U.S. for a stay less than 90 days, the Department of Homeland Security requires eligible travelers to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), as part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You must submit your application no later than 72 hours before departing for the U.S., but we suggest you apply for authorization when you start planning your trip. You will be denied boarding if you arrive at the airport without an approved ESTA.

    An approved ESTA travel authorization is:

    • Valid for up to two years or your passport expires, whichever comes first
    • Valid for multiple entries into the U.S.
    • Not a guarantee of admissibility to the U.S., approval only authorizes you to board a carrier for travel to the U.S.

    To enter the U.S. under the VWP, each passenger must have a machine-readable passport. If you don’t have a machine-readable zone, a valid visa is required.

    Each passenger traveling to the U.S. under the VWP must have a:

    • Valid electronic (e-Passport) with this symbol on the passport cover
    • Valid ESTA

    If you present a non-electronic passport, a valid U.S. visa will be required or you’ll be denied boarding and entry into the U.S.

    Apply for the Visa Waiver Program Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

    Additional requirements

    Some countries have additional requirements for travel, so we recommend that you check the U.S. Department of State website for the latest information and sign up for their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

    U.S. Department of State Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

    To Australia This content can be expanded
    To Canada This content can be expanded
    From Chile This content can be expanded

    Under the VWP, Nationals of Chile traveling to the U.S. are required to have an E-passport in addition to a machine-readable passport.

    To Cuba This content can be expanded

    All travelers entering Cuba will need to prepare additional information including a visa and health insurance.

    Travel to Cuba

    To Curaçao This content can be expanded
    To New Zealand This content can be expanded
    To / from Peru This content can be expanded

    Customers traveling to or from Peru with amounts of cash exceeding $10,000 USD or its equivalent in local or foreign currency are legally responsible for declaring such amount at airport controls to avoid sanctions and up to the confiscation of the undeclared amount, as per Article 4 of Supreme Decree 195-2013-EF.

    Additionally, it is prohibited entering or leaving the country with amounts over $30,000 USD or its equivalent in local or foreign currency.

    Health and testing requirements

    To travel, vaccinations may be required depending on where you’re traveling to and from.

    Travel information from the CDC Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

    U.S. entry requirements

    A pre-departure COVID-19 test is no longer required for travelers entering the U.S. All travelers must provide their contact information within 72 hours of departure, and foreign nationals must sign an attestation that they meet U.S. entry requirements and are vaccinated.

    Additional requirements

    Australia: Traveling with medication policy This content can be expanded
    Nicaragua: Yellow Fever vaccine requirement This content can be expanded

    When traveling to Nicaragua, a Yellow Fever shot will be required if you departed from or connected through any of these countries in the last 30 days:

    • Argentina
    • Bolivia
    • Brazil
    • Colombia
    • Ecuador
    • French Guiana
    • Panama
    • Paraguay
    • Peru
    • Venezuela
    • Any country in Africa

    Chemical sprays on international flights

    Flights to and from certain countries require insecticide treatment (a process known as disinsection) inside the cabin for insect and disease control. The U.S. Department of Transportation provides full information about the spray and the countries required to use it.

    Aircraft disinsection requirements Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

    Your checked and carry-on bags may be sprayed or misted with a solution upon arrival due to local health protocols for virus and disease control. This action is performed by local authorities and not American Airlines.

    Travel and health restrictions by destination Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

    Tax exemptions

    You may be entitled to a refund of some taxes included in the price of your ticket if you meet the applicable criteria for exemptions and your itinerary involves:

    • Travel between the U.S. and Mexico (including travel between Canada and Mexico via the U.S.)
    • International travel departing Belize, Colombia or Trinidad and Tobago
    • International travel arriving into Colombia

    Tax exemptions

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection

    Learn about regulations and procedures that apply to all travelers that enter or depart the United States.

    Travel tips Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

    Advanced Passenger Information (API) This content can be expanded

    To enhance border security, passenger information will be passed through the Advanced Passenger Information (API) system and sent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to review passenger information before the flight arrives.

    • All international flights arriving and departing the U.S. are required by law to provide API data.
    • API data for American Airlines/American Eagle flights is also transmitted to Customs and Immigration agencies in other countries where required by law.
    • The information sharing is mandatory as part of the U.S. Aviation and Transportation Security Act.

    Visit the U.S. This content can be expanded
    TSA Secure Flight Passenger Data This content can be expanded

    Secure Flight Passenger Data is basic personal information the TSA requires for you to travel. The information is collected during booking or ticketing.

    TSA Secure Flight

    Flying on one of our partners?

    Finnair travel information Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

    What 3 documents do you need to get on an international flight?

    Get Required Documents.
    Passport: Apply several months in advance for a new passport. ... .
    Visas: You may need to get a visa before you travel to a foreign destination. ... .
    Medications: Some prescription drugs, including narcotics and some U.S. over-the-counter medications, are illegal in other countries..

    What type of identification would you need for international travel?

    International air travel a passport issued by your country of citizenship or nationality or. a NEXUS card or. any document referred to in subsection 50(1) or 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

    Do you need anything other than a passport to travel internationally?

    A passport is required for all international travel. If you're traveling anywhere overseas, you need a passport to board an international flight and to enter the country. Passport cards will not be accepted as form of I.D. for international air travel.

    What documents do I need to fly outside the US?

    What documents do I need to travel outside the United States? In general, you will need to present a passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document to travel to a foreign country. In addition, the foreign country may have additional entry/exit requirements (such as a visa).