• Keep all of your travel documents in a safe place.Passport with diary open on expenses page image by Sophia Winters from Fotolia.com
  
  Preparing yourself for a trip through immigration control is the least glamorous part of a vacation, but it's also the most important: You don't want your trip to be cut short because you were turned away at the border. Find out what travel documents you'll need on your journey so you can enjoy the rest of your vacation.
  
  

Passport

• All travelers to foreign countries must have a valid passport from their home country. In addition, the passport must be valid for the full length of the visit and must have blank pages for entry/exit stamps and visas.
  
  If you have an older passport, it's recommended that you get a new passport before you travel. This will not only ensure that your passport won't expire during your visit, but it will also mean that you will be issued with a new, machine-readable passport, which is required by many countries. Machine-readable passports contain chips that add an extra level of identity verification. Some countries also include biometric data on new passports.
  
  As of 2010, Americans who plan to travel within North America (Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean) by land or sea do not require a full passport. However, you will need to apply for a passport card, if you do not have one.
  
  

Visa

• Entry visas are not required for tourists traveling to certain countries. For example, citizens of European Union countries do not need a visa to travel within the EU. Many other countries have reciprocal visa agreements to facilitate tourism.
  
  Visas are required if you are planning a lengthier stay (usually longer than 30 to 90 days), plan to work, plan to marry or have a criminal record. You should always check immigration requirements with your local embassy to ensure you are following the most recent guidelines.
  
  

Sufficient Funds

• Travelers are required to prove that they have sufficient funds to support themselves on their trip. You should carry some cash in both U.S. dollars and the local currency, in addition to credit, debit and ATM cards. If you are staying with friends or relatives, they should write a letter to certify that they will help support you during your trip.
  
  If you have permission to work during your trip, you can also provide documentation from your employer as proof of income.
  
  

Return Ticket

• Tourists and seasonal workers must provide proof that they will return to their home country when their trip is over. You should purchase a return ticket or make arrangements prior to embarking on your trip. If you are not sure when you're leaving, an open-ended travel ticket will suffice.