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The Documents You Need to Travel Abroad Now

The pandemic has created a whole new checklist of what you should bring on your trip. Here’s the essential paperwork you need to have in your bag.

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By Lauren Sloss

While international travel is not impossible this holiday season, particularly if you’re vaccinated, the rise of the Omicron variant promises to make it much more complicated .

Assuming you are traveling to a country open to nonessential travel, the vaccine and testing documentation required for entry could range from nothing (Mexico) to detailed and numerous (Norway, and many others). Before booking, you can research online what you’ll need — on a running list from The New York Times here , or the websites of various airlines, the C.D.C ., the U.S. State Department or that of your destination’s government — but be prepared to recheck requirements in the days leading up to your departure, in case rules have changed.

Here are the types of documentation that many destinations now require from U.S. travelers. As in prepandemic times, make physical copies of everything and if you have digital versions, organize them in an accessible place on your phone. Keep them handy, too, as you will be asked for your documents multiple times during your journey.

Proof of vaccination

No matter your destination, no matter what requirements it has for proving you are vaccinated against the coronavirus, it’s smart to bring your physical, C.D.C.-issued vaccine card with you, along with digital photos of your card and paper photocopies. You might not need it — be sure to store it safely — but don’t assume that a U.S.-based digital passport or QR code is acceptable. For example, your physical C.D.C. card will be accepted in France and the United Kingdom; the latter, however, also accepts certain state-issued digital health apps for entry , like California’s Vaccine Record and New York’s Excelsior Pass . And remember to check what vaccines are accepted at your destination.

A completed locator form

Some destinations, including the United Kingdom and certain European Union countries , require travelers to complete a digital passenger locator form before entering the country (you must submit the U.K. form in the 48 hours before you arrive in the country), to help with contact tracing. In addition to your travel information, vaccination status and contact information, the form may ask for your address in the country, and, in the U.K, confirmation of scheduled coronavirus tests that you need to take after arrival. With its locator form, Croatia asks for proof of paid accommodation, and if you’re traveling to Canada, you will need to download and submit information using the ArriveCan mobile app within 72 hours before your arrival.

Coronavirus test results

More countries now require proof of a negative test, often in addition to proof of vaccination. Depending on where you are going, some countries require P.C.R. tests, while others allow rapid antigen tests. The timing requirement of your test might ask for results between 24 or 72 hours before your arrival, or one to three days. Take Croatia again: The country requires a negative P.C.R. test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test within 48; if you have neither, you’ll be required to test upon arrival at your own cost and quarantine until you receive negative results. Rules for unvaccinated children vary widely by country and age, too — when entering Denmark , fully vaccinated adults or children under 16 do not need proof of a negative test, while 16- and 17-year-olds must have proof of a negative test to enter. Again, have the results in both digital and physical form.

Mask mandates too vary by country and maybe localities, but you will most certainly need masks in airports, on your flight — and if you are going to most places in Europe and the U.K. , for indoor activities like dining. And rather than hoping your cloth mask will have you covered, come prepared with surgical masks and N95s as well. For example, you need N95s,KN95s or FFP2 to ride public transport in Germany .

Proof of insurance

Not only is it a good idea to check your health-insurance policies if you get sick abroad, you should research whether proof of health or travel insurance is needed at your destination. While Egypt , Jordan and many Caribbean nations require proof of health insurance, travelers to Chile , in addition to proof of vaccination and a negative test, must also show “proof of travel medical insurance that covers at least $30,000.” For unvaccinated travelers, Costa Rica requires insurance that covers any Covid-related costs, including but not exclusive to illness.

With minors, proof of relationship

If you are traveling with children, particularly as a single parent or if your child will be traveling with other relatives, Erika Richter, director of communications of the American Society of Travel Advisors, strongly recommends having a child consent form and a proof of relationship, like a birth certificate or court document, in addition to the child’s passport.

Speaking of passports …

Confirm that your passport and any required visas are valid. “Your passport should have an expiration date of at least six months from your return date,” said Alexis Bowen, a co-founder of the travel company elsewhere .

Test for your return trip

All travelers, vaccinated or not, wishing to fly into the United States from abroad are currently required to show proof of a negative coronavirus test — specifically, a rapid antigen or P.C.R. test — taken within one day of their flight. Check whether your final stop before flying has testing centers or pharmacies with approved tests, or consider consulting local connections or the hotel concierge. You can also bring F.D.A.-approved at-home tests with you. Those tests need to be supervised, meaning you’ll need Wi-Fi and an online doctor’s appointment. Finally, prepare to sign a C.D.C.-required attestation either in advance or at the airport before returning.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2021 .

An earlier version of this article omitted a kind of mask that is acceptable to use on public transport in Germany. FFP2 masks are also acceptable, not just N95 and KN95 masks. 

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Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports .

At airports, program members proceed to the Global Entry lanes where processing technology will be used to expedite the members by capturing a photo to verify their membership. Once the photo has been captured, the member will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer who will confirm that you have successfully completed the process.

Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. If a traveler was unable to schedule an interview at an Enrollment Center prior to their international travel, they have an option to complete their interview via Enrollment on Arrival upon their arrival to the United States.

Another upcoming processing technology option for travelers will be the Global Entry Mobile App. This app will enable members to validate their arrival to the U.S. on their iOS or Android device prior to entering the Federal Inspection Services area.

While Global Entry’s goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.

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Here’s Everything You Need to Travel the World

F iguring out how to travel the world is no easy feat, especially when you’re trying to do it on a budget or planning world travel with a family.

There are many factors to keep in mind when evaluating your trip, including what to do before leaving and your budget. To help you get started, we’ve put together a guide on how to travel the world, including everything from how to start looking into your trip to how to save money once you’re abroad.

1. Get prepared

If you want to travel the world, there are some planning measures you want to take first to ensure you have durable luggage and the proper documents — a passport and possibly visas — and figuring out how much time off you’ll need.

Get your documents in order

Those in the U.S. will want an up-to-date driver’s license because by Oct. 1, 2020, all U.S. residents traveling domestically must have identification compliant with the Real-ID Act , which increased security requirements for state drivers licenses and ID cards.

Residents in 24 states including Alaska, California, Idaho, Maine, Oregon and Washington have until Oct. 10, 2018 get a Real-ID compliant card, though states have the option to apply for exemptions through Oct. 1, 2020 when the last phase of the Real-ID Act is enforced, meaning residents in those states should regularly check the status of their IDs before flying.

For travel outside of the U.S., passport cards or trusted traveler cards can serve as documents at certain land and sea crossings. But you’ll want to make sure you have a passport book if there’s any chance you might leave or enter another country via plane, where passport cards won’t work.

Already have a passport? You’ll want check if it’s valid for at least six months after planned trips. That’s because some countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Russia make this a requirement for entering their countries. Renewing a passport takes at least six to eight weeks through the mail, but those with proof of international travel (like a flight itinerary) can get an expedited passport renewal for an additional $60 to the $110 fee and by visiting a passport center in person.

International travel could also require a visa depending on the location and duration of your trip. Some countries have agreements in place that allow travelers to enter and leave visa free. For example, the U.S. and Canada don’t require visas for travel ( except in certain circumstances ), and Europe’s 26 Schengen States have a system where a visa issued by one of the 26 states typically allows travel throughout the others for up to 90 days.

To find out if your trip requires a visa, check your destination’s embassy or consulate website. Some countries will allow you to travel visa-free for a short stay. Others, like Lebanon , also allow citizens from destinations like the U.S. to get a visa upon arrival.

Get your vacation dates in order

Working while traveling can be tricky, but there are a few steps you can take that don’t involve quitting your job to travel the world.

Start by saving vacation days if you work at a company that pays out for these dates. Those looking to trade in vacation days can also check out companies like PTO Exchange , which lets companies buy back unused vacation days so employees can convert these days into travel, health benefits or charity credits.

Speed up security wait times

Signing up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can help save you time when moving in and out of airports.

TSA PreCheck , which costs $85 for a five-year membership, allows you to speed through domestic airport security without having to remove your shoes, belt, laptop, liquids or light jackets. The service is currently available in 200 airports in the U.S. across 47 participating airlines .

Global Entry , which costs $100 for a five-year membership will get you the same expedited screening through airport security as TSAPreCheck does, while also giving you the added benefit of expedited U.S. customs screenings through automated airport kiosks when arriving from an international destination.

Look for work on the road

Even if you leave your job to travel the world, there are some ways you can make money while abroad .

Companies like Upwork allow people to find work almost anywhere, even while traveling, since it’s open to freelancers across a wide range of fields that include video production, translation, programming, designing, writing, and mobile development. Income will vary on the type of position and number of hours worked, but freelancers can often rack up hourly rates that go as high as $200 per hour, according to Upwork representatives.

You could also find a place to stay through companies like the Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms ( WOOF ), which offers housing at organic farms around the world in exchange for volunteering on the farm, doing everything from feeding livestock and watering gardens to harvesting fruit trees.

Get the right credit card

Having the best travel credit card for your trip can not only prevent foreign transaction fees, but also help you reap rewards and perks during your trip.

A few cards with travel benefits include the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($450 annual fee), which offers $300 toward travel costs, $100 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, access to thousands of airport lounges, zero foreign transaction fees, and a 1:1 point transfer program towards top airline and hotel loyalty programs. The Bank of America Travel Rewards no-fee card lets you easily cash points to use toward airline tickets, baggage, hotel stays, car rentals and cruise packages. The card offers unlimited points, with up to 1.5 points for every $1 spent and 20,000 bonus points if you make at least $1,000 in purchases the first three months of opening your account.

When it comes to savings on hotels, the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card lets you earn five points for every dollar you spend at one of the company’s hotels, and two points at participating Marriott Rewards hotels.

Read More: What Is Travel Insurance? And How Much Is It?

2. Book travel far in advance

After all that preparation, you’re ready to book your trip around the world, which will likely be a round-the-world plane ticket, a journey by sea, or a combination of flights and ground transportation.

Below is a breakdown of how different travel options work:

Consider a round-the-world ticket

Round-the-world tickets allow you to buy a ticket and fly with various airlines under one alliance. But there are some regulations to keep in mind. Tickets are usually valid for up to one year, though flyers are required to start and end their trip in the same country through the following major alliances:

• Star Alliance (including Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, Austrian, United, and Lufthansa) bases its round-the-world tickets on the number of miles, with levels of passes you can choose from based on mile increments. You can take up to 15 stopovers, but you’ll need to keep moving in the same direction as how you started your trip.
• OneWorld (including American Airlines , British Airways , Cathay Pacific , and Qantas) has two different round-the-world ticket options. Its Global Explorer ticket is a mile-based option with four different mile increments to choose from, while the One World Explorer is based on the number of continents you visit, with up to four segments (flights) you can take in each of the six continents the alliance flies into.
• Skyteam’s (including Delta, Air France, Korean Air, AeroMexico) round-the-world option requires a minimum of two stops and runs for a year, with the alliance even offering theme-based trips, like beach or history, to make planning your ticket a little easier.

Round-The-World tickets can cost around $2,000 , and Dave Grossman, author or MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points , recommends checking whether it’s cheaper to book a round-the-world trip or individual legs by entering itinerary into Google Flights and comparing the overall price to those offered when building an itinerary out on the alliance websites.

You can also book round-the-world tickets through a travel agent or third-party sites like AirTreks of Flight Centre . These sites can be cheaper because they often pull together individual airline tickets based on the lowest fares to create a round-the-world itinerary.

However, round-the-world ticket travelers should note: missing one leg of your ticket could cancel the rest of your trip, making it best for travelers who feel comfortable planning out a lengthy trip well in advance.

Take a world cruise

If you’re looking to travel the world by sea, a world cruise can provide the flexibility to explore multiple continents, traveling from the U.S. to Europe for example, or to hone in on one continent. Itineraries vary by cruise, and world cruises can be great for families, retirees or those who can be at sea for around three months.

Sometimes, cruise lines will offer the option to book only a segment of world cruise, which can range from two weeks to a month. To book a segment, prospective travelers will also have to add a one-way trip to or from the start or end of their journey.

The costs of world cruises can be anywhere from $13,000 to upwards of $40,000 per person, as Cruise Critic points out.

Take a repositioning cruise

If you’re looking to travel the world for cheap, consider a repositioning cruise, which take place when ships need to relocate from one region to another. The cruises can cost up to $50 less per day than classic cruises and typically take place during shifting seasons like the fall and the spring. Cruise lines often sell repositioning tickets as one-way routes.

Consider train travel

If you plan on using trains throughout your world travel, there are a few options. For example, select companies like Great Rail Journeys now offer around the world rail journeys as well as a variety of rail passes.

Amtrak offers U.S. rail passes with 15-day ($459 for adults), 30-day ($689 for adults), and 45-day ($899 for adults) pass options that let you travel across eight segments (stops), 12 segments (stops), and 18 segments (stops).

Rail passes are a popular way to explore multiple stops within continents like Europe on the cheap. The Eurail Global Pass is the only rail pass that lets international travelers visit all of Europe , with unlimited travel offered in 28 countries. Eurail sells its global passes directly through its official website with a variety of prices and time options, starting at $600 per person for six days of travel within a month.

Those looking for the cheapest ways to travel, which can involve buses or ferries, can check out Rome2Rio , which lets you see all the transportation you can take between two locations and what route will be the cheapest. There are also lower-cost options like Berlinbus (a low cost bus operator in Germany) and the Student Agency Bus , which will give you discounted prices on coach lines in Europe. Swiss Federal Railways, often called SBB , also provides travelers with a wide variety of overnight train options, allowing you to save on overnight hotel fees to travel instead.

Know when to book

Unfortunately, there’s no magic set of days before your trip that will get you the best deal on flights. But travel seekers can keep an eye out for regular flight sales on social media, where airlines will often announce flash sales. And there are certain travel apps that will alert you when the price has gone down on flights you’re interested in.

3. Avoid hidden travel and communication fees

Once you’ve started your trip, there are tips and tricks to help you travel each destination across the world on a budget. Here are some ways to cut costs during your travel around the world:

Grab a city pass

City-pass offerings vary by location, but many will give you free or discounted admission to top attractions in a city, as well as fast-track options to cut lines. Some passes, like the Paris Pass , also include free transport throughout the city as well as admission to attractions. If you’re traveling in the U.S., you can check out the CityPASS network , which provides discounts on attractions across 12 North American cities.

Eliminate hidden hotel fees

To reduce hidden hotel fees (that is, after checking what hidden fees the hotel charges before you book), you can ask the hotel whether they can forego additional fees for amenities you don’t use, like the gym or in-room safe. The hotel may be able to remove these charges from your bill before you arrive.

If you’re staying at an all-inclusive property, you’ll want to look into the fine print and the “terms and conditions” of your stay. The reason for this is that some properties will charge more for items like champagne, high-end liquor or some activities. The easiest way to spot these is by keeping your eye out for asterisks in promotions and advertisements.

Communicate for free

Communicating with friends and family while traveling is important, but roaming charges and international calling fees can add up quickly.

Apps like WhatsApp, Viber and Skype, which allow messaging and calling for free over Wi-Fi if you have an Android phone. You can also grab a local SIM card, which you can purchase at airport vending machines and convenience stores. The Local SIM app can pinpoint the best local cellular carrier to grab your SIM card.

Choose Restaurants Wisely

While eating food from around the world is often one of the best parts of traveling, dining out for every meal can become expensive. To save some money: stay away from restaurants located near tourist attractions, which generally have higher prices and lower quality . Some travel experts recommend making lunch your biggest meal, when prices can be half that of dinner, according to CheapOAir.

Ask about free amenities on flights and at hotels

Some airlines and hotels have free perks available to guests who know to ask for them. On flights, for example, travelers can request everything from ukuleles on some Hawaiian Airlines flights to hot chocolate on Southwest Airlines. Some hotels also offer free amenities that range from night lights, chargers and curling irons at Kimpton Hotels to complimentary yoga sessions at select Hyatt properties.

Now, if all you need is travel inspiration, check out the 20 best and affordable places to travel in 2018 .

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The specific documents required for travel can vary depending on your destination, your citizenship, and the purpose of your trip. However, here is a list of commonly required documents for international travel curated by our All World Travel Advisors.

Passport: A valid passport is typically required for international travel. Ensure that your passport is not expired and has enough blank pages for visas and entry/exit stamps. Many destinations will require that your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to arrival. Expiring passports should be addressed well in advance of traveling.

Visa: Some countries require a visa for entry, and the type of visa you need (tourist, business, student, etc.) depends on the purpose of your trip and the country you are visiting. Check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country to determine if a visa is required and the application process.

Travel Itinerary: This includes flight or train tickets, hotel reservations, and any other transportation bookings that prove your intended travel plans.

Travel Insurance: While not always mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.

ID Card : A government-issued photo identification card, such as a driver’s license, is needed when traveling domestically or when requested by authorities during international travel.

Proof of Vaccinations: Some countries may require proof of vaccinations or specific health documentation, such as a yellow fever certificate, depending on your travel destination. This may be especially relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Customs Declarations: If you are carrying valuable items or significant quantities of goods, you may need to complete customs declarations upon arrival.

Travel Wallet or Organizer: Keep your documents, like your passport, visa, and ID, organized in a secure travel wallet or pouch.

Travel Authorization: In some cases, you might need additional travel authorizations or permits, such as a permit for wildlife exploration or specific regions.

International Driving Permit: If you plan to rent a car and drive in another country, an international driving permit may be necessary.

Children’s Documents: If you’re traveling with children, they may need their own passports and other documentation. Some countries also require consent from the non-accompanying parent.

Emergency Contact Information: It’s a good idea to carry contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate in the destination country in case of emergencies.

STEP: The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can find the program here https://step.state.gov/

Remember that entry requirements can change, so it’s essential to check with your travel advisor, the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit and do so well in advance of your trip. It’s also a good practice to make copies of your essential documents and keep them separate from the originals or use digital copies stored securely in the cloud or on a secure device.

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Documents You Need For World Travel As A Digital Nomad

• by Jesse Acosta
• November 10, 2023
• 5 minute read

“Functions once performed by architecture, furniture, and fixed equipment are now being taken over by implants, wearables, and portable devices” – William Mitchell, Me++: The Cyborg Self and the Networked City author.

In this article, we will talk about the documentation that a digital nomad needs to travel easily and enjoyably.

Table of Contents

Direct And To The Point

Several considerations must be kept up to date regularly for a comfortable and trouble-free travel experience. Most overseas travelers now need medical documentation like vaccination certificates and COVID-19 test results, so have them on hand at all times. Here’s a list of some of the documentation you’ll need to travel as a digital nomad to keep you stress-free:

Without a passport, no overseas travel is possible. The passport, like the other papers on the list, must meet the most severe standards. The expiry date is one of them. The validity term shall not be shorter than 6 months from the date of departure from the country of origin.

Flight Itinerary and Proof of Accommodation:

Healthcare documents:, travel insurance:, documents in digital format:, additional things: important.

If you are a digital nomad or aspire to be one, you are surely aware that these individuals are continuously on the road. As a result, they require certain unique items and technologies to make the traveling procedure more joyful and easier.

Here are some pointers to help you choose the proper items:

• A large backpack or suitcase is required. Consider a bigger bag or suitcase to contain clothing, toiletries, and other personal goods, depending on the length of your vacation. Look for alternatives that are long-lasting and adaptable, with features like expanded pockets or compression straps;
• Having a single large backpack is inconvenient. Carry a small, lightweight backpack that can hold all of your essentials, such as a laptop, chargers, and papers;
• Road locks. Use travel locks on your baggage to keep your possessions safe. Look for TSA-approved locks that airport security can quickly unlock if necessary;
• Travel wallet or organizer. You may make your travel documents more accessible by using a travel wallet or organizer. The majority of organizers have spaces for passports, identification cards, credit cards, and boarding passes.

Additional Things: Optional

There are a few additional critical factors that might enhance your digital nomad experience. While these items are optional and may vary greatly depending on your interests, consider packing the following:

• Book. Bring a favorite book with you. It makes no difference whether it’s on paper or electronically. A book is usually a terrific way to switch gears and unwind;
• Notepad and a pen. We’re talking about physical stuff here. While digital alternatives are available, there are some occasions where a genuine pen or pad is required;
• Camera. No comments are needed here. A camera will always come in useful if only to record unforgettable locations on your journey;
• Portable Bluetooth speaker. She will make any journey more enjoyable. Bring your favorite music and share your mood with others;
• Toiletries. Although they are all accessible for purchase at any hotel or airport, it is crucial to have your own set because it will be much cheaper;
• Towel for travel. Any traveler should have a lightweight, quick-drying travel towel on hand. This is especially useful if you like water activities or are a frequent beachgoer.

The notion of a digital nomad is no longer novel today. Many interesting things have already been created by entrepreneurs who are interested in developing services for this type of lifestyle, and they are very popular among digital nomads. Despite this, the legal documents themselves are of the utmost importance: they must be well prepared because amending an inaccurate document is either extremely difficult and expensive or just impossible. Therefore, first and foremost, concentrate on the legal element.

Jesse Acosta

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What Is A Travel Document Number?

Are you looking for a clear and concise guide on travel document numbers? Then you’re in the right place because that’s exactly what I’ll be talking about right here!

Travel documents are necessary for international travel, and every such document that exists has a unique number that serves as a personal identifier. How do they work, where can you find them, and what’s their point are a few of the questions I’ll answer in this detailed guide. So, read on to learn more about travel document numbers and their purpose!

What Is A Travel Document?

Let’s start with the basics – a travel document is the primary identifying document for travelers in foreign countries . The most common type of travel document is a passport, but visas and IDs can also function as viable travel documents. In order to cross the border of any country, you need some sort of identifying travel document.

Passports are the identifiers, and whenever you’re filling a form that requires you to put in a travel document number, the serial number of your passport is usually enough.

Travel document numbers can also refer to the unique identifying numbers of visas and ID cards, but whenever that is the case, it is usually specified in the form. If you’re not sure which travel document number you’re required to input, your best bet is to ask the relevant authorities directly.

Travel documents can also be required for domestic travel. Passports are usually necessary for international travel, visas are required by certain countries for nationals of certain countries, and IDs are usually enough for domestic travel. Some neighboring countries allow their residents to travel between the borders with just IDs as well, but this only works for the nationals of those countries.

What’s A Travel Document Number? 

A travel document number is a unique combination of letters and numbers that allows for the identification of a travel document. Just like every car has a unique chassis number and every laptop has a unique serial number, every travel document issued legally has its own unique number.

That number serves as an identifier for that specific document and its owner. Its purpose is to allow officials to keep track of people who travel to and through countries, and to make sure that everything is in order. Keep in mind that you should carry a travel document with you at all times when traveling internationally – at the very least, keep a photo of your passport’s information page on your phone.

Different countries can have different systems in place for issuing travel document numbers, meaning that one country can have a 13-character document number for their passports, and another one can opt to issue passports with 6-character identifiers.

It’s also possible for passports issued in the same country to have identifying codes of varying lengths. This is very common in the United States – US passports usually have between 6 and 9 characters, depending on where the document was issued, who it was issued to, what purpose it was issued for, etc.

When Will I Need A Travel Document (Number)?

You will need a travel document for both domestic and international travel, obviously. But that’s certainly not the only scenario in which you might be asked to list the serial number of your travel document, so keep reading.

In some EU countries, foreigners are required to report their stay to the relevant authorities. This can usually be done at a local police station, the town hall, or tourism authorities. You must report your stay within a day or two of entering the country (it depends on the specific country), and you will be asked for your travel document number. If you’re staying at a hotel, you usually don’t have to worry about this, since hotels do this for all their guests.

Additionally, street checks by police officers are common in most countries in the world. It hasn’t happened to me personally yet, but a police officer can stop you and ask for ID. Foreigners are required to present their passports, which is why you should always carry your passport with you while you’re traveling abroad.

Passport Document Number

Passports are the most important travel documents for international travel. Every country on the planet has its own unique passport, and every single one of those passports has a unique identifying number. That allows officials to keep track of who enters their country and how long they stay there, plus it helps prevent any illegal activity and wrongdoings.

The document number of passports is usually located in the upper right corner of the information page. It can also be found at the bottom of that page, and in some passports, there can be a third instance just below the passport owner’s photograph. The number is usually labeled as “passport document number” or “passport serial number”, making it very easy to find.

Whenever you’re asked to enter your primary travel document number, in most cases it’s enough to enter the serial number of your passport since that is the primary travel document for most people.

US Passports: Booklet or Card Number?

The United States issue both passport cards and passport booklets to its citizens. Both function as unique travel documents, and they can’t be used interchangeably. A passport card is suitable for domestic travel, but it’s not a valid document for international travel. You can’t get a stamp or a visa if you just have a passport card, so you do need the booklet if you want to travel the world.

It’s worth noting that it is possible to travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean Islands with just a passport card. But that’s it and you will need a passport booklet to travel to other countries in the world.

The main difference between cards and booklets is the cost of issuing. Passport cards are just some $40, whereas booklets cost almost twice as much. Also, since these are both unique travel documents, they will have different document numbers, so don’t be confused by that.

If you’re asked for your travel document number, you should usually use the serial number of your passport booklet. The number of your passport card will work only if you’re traveling to one of the countries mentioned earlier in this segment.

Visa Document Number

If only we could travel the entire world with just our passports! Unfortunately, we can’t – a lot of countries still require a visa for certain foreigners, and you might be asked for the document number of your visa. This is where things can get confusing for some people since visas can feature several serial numbers.

The main document number of a visa is usually prominently displayed. In the EU Schengen visa, it’s in the top right corner of the document, way above all the other information. US visas feature the number in the bottom right corner, and it’s written in bright red color which makes it very easy to find.

Don’t confuse it with the control number – its sole purpose is for the US State Department to be able to keep track of various visa issuances, and it holds zero significance for the traveler.

Visas also include your passport number, and along with the visa number and the control number, it can be a bit confusing to find the right travel document number, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.

That’s why the serial number of a visa is always different than the rest of the information on the page – it can be written in a different color, in a bigger font, or displayed separately from the other numbers.

ID Document Number

Sometimes it is possible to travel to a foreign country with just your ID or even a driver’s license. It’s worth noting that these instances are pretty rare and that the number of countries you can travel to without a passport is very limited. In most instances, citizens of a country can travel to some of its neighboring countries or overseas territories with just an ID, but it can never hurt to bring your passport as well.

Just like passports and visas, every ID has a unique identifying number. It’s usually listed under “identity card number” or “identity document number”, and it often contains both alphabetical letters and numbers.

Green Card Number

Green cards are specific for the United States and they’re issued only to permanent residents in the country. Getting a green card is a lengthy process since it is one of the most coveted identity documents in the world for most people who weren’t fortunate enough to be born in the US. Owning a green card allows you to live and work in the United States, but you still won’t be issued a US passport.

Green cards usually have two listed numbers – one that is listed as the A# (alien) or USCIS#, and another one which is the official green card identifying number. The A# is usually listed at the center on the front of a green card, and it’s the unique identifying number for the owner of that green card.

The other number is listed at the bottom on the back of a green card, and it has 13 characters – it usually starts with three letters, followed by ten numbers. This number also refers to the specific immigration case that led to the issuing of the green card, making it easy for relevant authorities to keep track of everything. 

It’s worth noting that you can’t travel internationally with just a green card – you still need your passport. However, a green card makes it much easier to travel back and forth between the US and your birth country, and it generally makes the entire process quicker and easier.

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

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Smart Preparation: Securing Your Family's Travel Documents Ahead of Time

S etting foot in a new country is like stepping into a world of possibilities, but that first step can quickly turn into a stumble if you’re not prepared with the right paperwork. Securing travel documents is often viewed as one of the less glamorous parts of traveling, yet it’s crucial. 

Whether you need to renew your passport, ensure your visa is approved, or safeguard copies of your important documents, taking care of these essentials well in advance can mean the difference between a smooth airport experience and a trip derailed before it even begins. 

How to Secure the Documents You Need Before Traveling 

Going on a journey soon? Take a moment to dive into the indispensable task of securing your essential travel documents, ensuring nothing holds you back from exploring the globe with ease.

Step 1: Know What Documents You Need Before Traveling

The documents you’ll need to travel will depend on where you’re going. As part of your preparation, you’ll need to check out the official government website for a full list of the documents you’re required to obtain. Your home country can also give you a rough list of what you may need across the border. For example, the U.S. has a Traveler’s Checklist you can use.

With that said, most countries require very similar documentation. For example, you’ll always need a passport and photo I.D. to even board the plane to another country.

Here’s a list of what you’ll likely need before your travel

• Photo ID: Usually a driver’s license or a personal identification card. 
• Passport: Required to travel across the border of your home country.
• Travel or Work Visa: Required if you’re working or staying for a long period of time.
• International Driving Permit: Necessary if you plan on driving in another country.
• Medications and Vaccine Information: May be required for some countries. 
• Consent for Travel with Minors : Some countries require custody documents.
• Travel Insurance Plan Details: Peace of mind if you get injured in another country.
• Travel Itinerary Details: Peace of mind if you can’t access this info electronically. 

This process can be expedited if you use technology. If you have access to a computer, either from your home or via the library, use it to print a list of what you need. And if you’re traveling abroad with children , make sure they also have most of the documents listed above.

Step 2: Check Requirements For Documentation Early

When you’re planning a trip , especially abroad, it’s vital to start sorting out your travel documents as early as possible. According to the U.S. Department of State , about 24 million passports were issued in 2023 alone, and this number rises yearly. This means there could be lengthy processing times, sometimes up to eight weeks for standard applications!

Depending on your needs, you may need to have your documents translated. Fortunately, looking for a document translation service is easy if you search online, but this process can add a lot of time to your schedule. Factor this time in for every document you plan to get. 

You should also consider the time it takes to get your documents online vs. in person or if you have the option to complete a process online at all. For example, most countries allow you to renew your passport online, but you have to go to a government office to get a new one.

If a picture is required, consider how long it will take you to wait in line to get your photo taken. Typically, booking an appointment means you’ll get seen sooner. With most documents, you can expedite the process if you pay a fee, but it’s much cheaper to complete the process ASAP.

Step 3: Speak to the Non-Government Bodies First

Certain requirements make it necessary for you to collaborate with a partner/ex-partner, medical professional, friend/family member, or employer. If it’s possible for you to complete some of the process without their help but not all of it, don’t continue the process until you have them on board. Otherwise, you may hit a roadblock or be unable to submit your documents.

Not only that, but you’ll typically need to plan your schedule around when they can see you. For example, if you need a friend to sign a paper or a doctor to give you a vaccine or medication.

Here are some examples of documents that require help from a non-government body:

• Passport: A new passport requires multiple guarantors and their signatures.
• Work Visa: Requires your employer to start the visa process.
• Medication or Vaccine Information: Requires documentation from a doctor.
• Travel Insurance: May require permission from ex-spouse or spouse if for a child.
• Consent for Travel with Minors: Requires permission from ex-spouse or spouse.

If you’re a single parent who requires a Letter of Parental Consent for a Minor Child to Travel , be sure to speak to your ex-spouse or spouse months ahead of the travel date, if possible. 

Step 4: Ensure Your Children’s Documents are Valid

Even if your documents allow you to get past the border, you won’t be going anywhere if your children’s documents aren’t up-to-date. Did you know that children’s passports are only valid for 5 years , as opposed to the 10 years granted to adult passports? This means it’s pretty easy to lose track of their expiration dates amidst the chaos of parenting.

Statistics show that families make up a significant portion of travelers, with a notable 30.8% of travelers taking their outbound vacations as a family . That’s a lot of kids on planes and across borders! Just like adults, every child needs appropriate documentation when traveling abroad. 

This includes accurately dated passports and any requisite visas. Keep in mind that some countries have specific stipulations concerning minors, such as requiring birth certificates or visa requirements different from those of their accompanying adults.

Moreover, if your child is traveling with one parent or without either parent, additional paperwork might be needed. This could mean notarized permission from the absent parent(s), which demonstrates consent for the child’s travel itinerary. Get our free minor travel consent form here.

Step 5: Make Copies of Important Documents

Imagine being in a foreign country and realizing your passport has gone missing. A staggering number of travelers find themselves in similar situations, with about 300,000 U.S. passports reported lost or stolen each year . This alone should serve as a cautionary tale.

Before embarking on your journey, take the proactive step to photocopy each critical travel document you’ll be carrying. This includes not just passports but also driver’s licenses, visas, and birth certificates—basically anything that would prove to be a nightmare if lost.

But don’t stop at physical copies. Scan these documents and upload them onto a cloud service or email them to yourself. It’s recommended by travel experts to have an electronic backup ready for access anywhere with internet connectivity. Around 70% of international travelers now “always” carry smartphones when traveling , which can store these valuable digital copies safely. I like to store mine on both an iCloud folder and Google Drive folder.

Keep one set of physical copies on your person (separate from the originals), and stash another set somewhere safe, like in your hotel room. As an extra layer of preparedness, leave a third set with someone trustworthy back home, too—just in case the worst happens.

Don’t Be Caught Unprepared When Traveling 

When it comes to what travel documents does my family need for an international trip, get a jump start on organizing those essential items today and turn the focus back to the excitement of planning your journey. Remember, with every passport photo snapped and visa stamped, you’re one step closer to creating lasting memories in far-flung destinations. 

Ready to Start Planning Your Trip? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

• Find low fares with  airfarewatchdog , Skyscanner , and  WayAway.com .
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• For camping and RV campgrounds, find the ideal location with Campspot .
• Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from  Away and Eagle Creek .
• For packing cubes, we love these from Eagle Creek and these reusable silicon bags for a 3-1-1 bag from Stasher .
• Looking to start travel hacking and want a place to keep track of it all? There’s the free TravelFreely site.
• For budgeting help, get our road trip budgeting tips here.
• Tiqets for cultural events, museums, Broadway shows, etc.
• CityPASS for multi-day attraction passes at up to 55% off in select cities
• Get Your Guide and Viator for guided tours/excursions, day trips, and activitties
• Groupon for discounted local attractions and event tickets
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• We use and recommend Rosetta Stone to learn a new language. We bought the $179 lifetime option with unlimited access to ALL 25 of their languages.
• Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my  travel resources page  for more trusted partners.

For more family travel inspiration, check out our latest posts here:

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The post Smart Preparation: Securing Your Family’s Travel Documents Ahead of Time appeared first on Little Family Adventure .

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What we know about unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S.

The unauthorized immigrant population in the United States reached 10.5 million in 2021, according to new Pew Research Center estimates. That was a modest increase over 2019 but nearly identical to 2017.

The number of unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. in 2021 remained below its peak of 12.2 million in 2007. It was about the same size as in 2004 and lower than every year from 2005 to 2015.

The new estimates do not reflect changes that have occurred since apprehensions and expulsions of migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border started increasing in March 2021 . Migrant encounters at the border have since reached historic highs .

Pew Research Center undertook this research to understand ongoing changes in the size and characteristics of the unauthorized immigrant population in the United States. The Center has published estimates of the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population for more than two decades. The estimates presented in this research are the Center’s latest, adding new and updated annual estimates for 2017 through 2021.

Center estimates of the unauthorized immigrant population use a “residual method.” It is similar to methods used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Immigration Statistics and nongovernmental organizations, including the Center for Migration Studies and the Migration Policy Institute . Those organizations’ estimates are generally consistent with ours. Our estimates also align with official U.S. data sources, including birth records, school enrollment figures and tax data, as well as Mexican censuses and surveys.

Our “residual” method for estimating the nation’s unauthorized immigrant population includes these steps:

• Estimate the total number of immigrants living in the country in a particular year using data from U.S. censuses and government surveys such as the American Community Survey and the Current Population Survey.
• Estimate the number of immigrants living in the U.S. legally using official counts of immigrant and refugee admissions together with other demographic data (for example, death and out-migration rates).
• Subtract our estimate of lawful immigrants from our estimate of the total immigrant population . This provides an initial estimate of the unauthorized immigrant population .

Our final estimate of the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population, as well as estimates for lawful immigrants, includes an upward adjustment. We do this because censuses and surveys tend to miss some people . Undercounts for immigrants, especially unauthorized immigrants, tend to be higher than for other groups. (Our 1990 estimate comes from work by Robert Warren and John Robert Warren; details can be found here .)

The term “unauthorized immigrant” reflects standard and customary usage by many academic researchers and policy analysts. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Immigration Statistics also generally uses it. The term means the same thing as undocumented immigrants, illegal immigrants and illegal aliens.

For more details on how we produced our estimates, read the Methodology section of our November 2018 report on unauthorized immigrants.

The unauthorized immigrant population includes any immigrants not in the following groups:

• Immigrants admitted for lawful residence (i.e., green card admissions)
• People admitted formally as refugees
• People granted asylum
• Former unauthorized immigrants granted legal residence under the 1985 Immigration Reform and Control Act
• Immigrants admitted under any of categories 1-4 who have become naturalized U.S. citizens
• Individuals admitted as lawful temporary residents under specific visa categories

Read the Methodology section of our November 2018 report on unauthorized immigrants for more details.

Pew Research Center’s estimate of unauthorized immigrants includes more than 2 million immigrants who have temporary permission to be in the United States. (Some also have permission to work in the country.) These immigrants account for about 20% of our national estimate of 10.5 million unauthorized immigrants for 2021.

Although these immigrants have permission to be in the country, they could be subject to deportation if government policy changes. Other organizations and the federal government also include these immigrants in their estimates of the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population.

Immigrants can receive temporary permission to be in the U.S. through the following ways:

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

In 2021, there were about 500,000 unauthorized immigrants with Temporary Protected Status . This status provides protection from removal or deportation to individuals who cannot safely return to their country because of civil unrest, violence or natural disaster.

Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) is a similar program that grants protection from removal. The number of immigrants with DED is much smaller than the number with TPS.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a program that offers protection from deportation to individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children before June 15, 2007. As of the end of 2021, there were slightly more than 600,000 DACA beneficiaries , largely immigrants from Mexico.

Asylum applicants

Individuals who have applied for asylum but are awaiting a ruling are not legal residents yet but cannot be deported. There are two types of asylum claims, defensive and affirmative .

Defensive asylum applications are generally filed by individuals facing deportation or removal from the U.S. These are processed by the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. At the end of 2021, there were almost 600,000 applications pending.

Affirmative asylum claims are made by individuals already in the U.S. who are not in the process of being deported or removed. These claims are handled by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). At the end of 2021, more than 400,000 applications for affirmative asylum were pending, some covering more than one applicant.

Here are key findings about how the U.S. unauthorized immigrant population changed from 2017 to 2021:

• The most common country of birth for unauthorized immigrants is Mexico. However, the population of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico dropped by 900,000 from 2017 to 2021 , to 4.1 million.
• There were increases in unauthorized immigrants from nearly every other region of the world – Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Among U.S. states, only Florida and Washington saw increases to their unauthorized immigrant populations , while California and Nevada saw decreases. In all other states, unauthorized immigrant populations were unchanged.
• 4.6% of U.S. workers in 2021 were unauthorized immigrants , virtually identical to the share in 2017.

Trends in the U.S. immigrant population

The U.S. foreign-born population was 14.1% of the nation’s population in 2021. That was very slightly higher than in the last five years but below the record high of 14.8% in 1890.

As of 2021, the nation’s 10.5 million unauthorized immigrants represented about 3% of the total U.S. population and 22% of the foreign-born population. These shares were among the lowest since the 1990s.

Between 2007 and 2021, the unauthorized immigrant population decreased by 1.75 million, or 14%.

Meanwhile, the lawful immigrant population grew by more than 8 million, a 29% increase, and the number of naturalized U.S. citizens grew by 49%. In 2021, naturalized citizens accounted for about half (49%) of all immigrants in the country.

Where unauthorized immigrants come from

Unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. come from many parts of the world, with Mexico being the most common origin country.

The origin countries for unauthorized immigrants have changed since the population peaked in 2007, before the Great Recession slowed immigration. Here are some highlights of those changes:

The number of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico living in the U.S. (4.1 million in 2021) was the lowest since the 1990s. Mexico accounted for 39% of the nation’s unauthorized immigrants in 2021, by far the smallest share on record .

The decrease in unauthorized immigrants from Mexico reflects several factors:

• A broader decline in migration from Mexico to the U.S.
• Mexican immigrants to the U.S. continuing to return to Mexico
• Expanded opportunities for lawful immigration from Mexico and other countries, especially for temporary agricultural workers.

The rest of the world

The total number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. from countries other than Mexico has grown rapidly. In 2021, this population was 6.4 million, up by 900,000 from 2017.

Almost every region in the world had a notable increase in the number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. from 2007 to 2021. The largest increases were from Central America (240,000) and South and East Asia (180,000).

After Mexico, the countries of origin with the largest unauthorized immigrant populations in the U.S. in 2021 were:

• El Salvador (800,000)
• India (725,000)
• Guatemala (700,000)
• Honduras (525,000)

India, Guatemala and Honduras all saw increases from 2017.

The Northern Triangle

Three Central American countries – El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala – together represented 2.0 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. in 2021, or almost 20% of the total. The unauthorized immigrant population from the Northern Triangle grew by about 250,000 from 2017 and about 700,000 from 2007.

Other origin countries

Venezuela was the country of birth for 190,000 U.S. unauthorized immigrants in 2021. This population saw particularly fast growth, from 130,000 in 2017 and 55,000 in 2007.

Among countries with the largest numbers of U.S. unauthorized immigrants, India, Brazil, Canada and former Soviet Union countries all experienced growth from 2017 to 2021.

Some origin countries with significant unauthorized immigrant populations showed no change, notably China (375,000) and the Dominican Republic (230,000).

Detailed table: Unauthorized immigrant population by region and selected country of birth (and margins of error), 1990-2021 (Excel)

U.S. states of residence of unauthorized immigrants

The unauthorized immigrant population in most U.S. states stayed steady from 2017 to 2021. However, four states saw significant changes:

• Florida (+80,000)
• Washington (+60,000)
• California (-150,000)
• Nevada (-25,000)

States with the most unauthorized immigrants

The six states with the largest unauthorized immigrant populations in 2021 were:

• California (1.9 million)
• Texas (1.6 million)
• Florida (900,000)
• New York (600,000)
• New Jersey (450,000)
• Illinois (400,000)

These states have consistently had the most unauthorized immigrants since 1990 and earlier .

At the same time, the unauthorized immigrant population has become less geographically concentrated. In 2021, these six states were home to 56% of the nation’s unauthorized immigrants, down from 80% in 1990.

Detailed table: Unauthorized immigrant population for states (and margins of error), 1990-2021 (Excel)

Detailed table: Unauthorized immigrants and characteristics for states, 2021 (Excel)

Unauthorized immigrants in the labor force

The share of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. workforce was slightly less than 5% in 2021, compared with 3% of the total U.S. population.

Demographics help explain the difference: The unauthorized immigrant population includes relatively few children or elderly adults, groups that tend not to be in the labor force.

Overall, about 7.8 million unauthorized immigrants were in the U.S. labor force in 2021. That was up slightly from 2019 but smaller than every year from 2007 through 2015.

Detailed table: Unauthorized immigrants in the labor force for states, 2021 (Excel)

Here are some additional findings about unauthorized immigrants as a share of the workforce nationwide and in certain states:

• Since 2003, unauthorized immigrants have made up 4.4% to 5.4% of all U.S. workers, a relatively narrow range.
• Fewer than 1% of workers in Maine, Montana, Vermont and West Virginia in 2021 were unauthorized immigrants.
• Nevada (9%) and Texas (8%) had the highest shares of unauthorized immigrants in the workforce.
• Immigrant Populations
• Immigration Issues
• Unauthorized Immigration

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Middle East latest: Netanyahu vows to 'increase pressure' on Hamas; Iran 'displayed power' in attack on Israel, Supreme Leader claims

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has spoken for the first time since his country attacked Israel. It follows news of Palestinians being killed in Rafah and the West Bank, and the IDF launching strikes in Lebanon.

Sunday 21 April 2024 18:30, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Iran 'displayed power' in attack on Israel, Supreme Leader insists - despite failure
• Sean Bell: New details hint at impact of Israeli strike on Iran
• 13 children from same family killed in strike on Rafah, hospital says
• IDF sanctions a 'dangerous precedent', senior Israeli politician warns
• At least 14 Palestinians killed in West Bank raid, authorities say
• Israel says it has attacked 'terrorist targets' in Lebanon
• US Congress approves aid package for Israel 
• Analysis: Iran isn't biggest threat to the coalition right now
• Live reporting by Bhvishya Patel and (earlier)  Narbeh Minassian

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today and discussed the state of the region, a spokesperson for the German government has said.

"The chancellor emphasised that it was essential to avoid a regional escalation," the spokesperson said.

It comes as Iran and Israel, who have been locked in a shadow war for years, try to dial back tensions following a series of escalatory attacks between them as the Israel-Hamas war inflames the wider region.

Israel war cabinet member Benny Gantz has spoken with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and asked him to reconsider the decision to sanction the IDF's Netzah Yehuda battalion, the American news website Axios reports, citing Mr Gantz's office.

For context : This weekend a report from Axios claimed the US was expected to announce sanctions within days on the IDF battalion for human rights violations in the occupied West Bank.  

Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu has already responded, warning it is "forbidden" to sanction the IDF.

The Axios report adds it would be the first time the US has imposed sanctions on an Israeli military unit.

Israel and Iran have been at war for decades but they have been fighting in the shadows.

Analysts believe both countries are now trying to ease tensions following a series of escalatory attacks between them.

Here, our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn   explains how we got here and what could be next.

We have been reporting today on Israeli strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah overnight which killed 22 people, including 18 children, according to health officials.

Now, the IDF has responded to the overnight strikes.

"At the given times, the IDF struck several military targets of the terrorist organisations in Gaza including military compounds, launch posts and armed terrorists," it said in a statement.

For context : Israel has carried out near-daily air raids on Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population of 2.3 million have sought refuge from fighting elsewhere.

It has also vowed to expand its ground offensive to the city on the border with Egypt despite international calls for restraint, including from the US.

Israel will "increase the political and military pressure on Hamas in the coming days", Benjamin Netanyahu has said.

Speaking before the Jewish holiday of Passover that starts tomorrow, the Israeli leader said all proposals for the release of hostages had been "outright rejected by Hamas".

"In the coming days we will increase the military and political pressure on Hamas because this is the only way to free our hostages and achieve our victory," he said.

He also responded to reports of imminent US sanctions on the IDF religious battalion Netzah Yehuda saying: "If anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit in the IDF I will fight it with all my might."

The balance between the right to protest and the rights of everyone else had been completely lost, a charity that protects British Jews from antisemitism has said. 

We have been reporting this weekend on a Met Police officer who was recorded preventing a Jewish man from crossing a road by a pro-Palestinian march because he is "openly Jewish".

The force has since apologised.

Responding to the incident in a statement on X, the Community Security Trust (CST) noted that since 7 October it had seen a "record increase in anti-Jewish hate crime against a backdrop of constant anti-Israel hate demonstrations".

It said CST was working with the police to protect the Jewish community but despite "all the good work" there had been "mistakes".

"This latest case fits that profile, with the context and detail lost in the heat of controversy. An individual officer tried to do the right thing but ended up making things worse in a very difficult moment," the charity said.

The broader question, the CST said, was "how much longer these costly and disruptive protests will be allowed to continue".

"It feels like any balance between the right to protest and the rights of everyone else had been completely lost, with extremists the only ones to benefit, Jews the first to suffer and the police often caught in the middle," it added.

The Israeli military says its soldiers shot two Palestinians who tried to attack them in the West Bank this morning. 

We reported earlier today the IDF claimed two Palestinians tried to stab and shoot its soldiers near the city of Hebron (see our 9.13am post). 

One was reported dead, but now the Palestinian health ministry says both have been killed.

The Israeli military said: "One of the terrorists attempted to stab IDF soldiers that were in the area, who responded with live fire and neutralised him." 

The force added: "At the same time, the other terrorist opened fire at the soldiers, who responded with live fire and neutralised him too."

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA, quoting local sources, said ambulance crews were prevented from reaching the two men.

Palestinian security sources told WAFA the two men, aged 18 and 19, died and that they were still unable to collect their bodies.

A Tory peer has called for the Gaza conflict to end "immediately" as he criticised Israel for an alleged attack on Rafah that killed at least 22 people.

Israel has been carrying out air raids on the southern Gazan city almost daily, with the latest round reportedly killing 17 children of the same extended family overnight (see our 1.46pm post).

Lord Ahmad, a minister at the foreign office, said on X: "Appalled by the Israeli strike on a residential apartment in the densely populated Rafah in Gaza, which resulted in more children being killed.  

"We must stop this fighting immediately and bring an end to this conflict."

It comes just one day after nine people were reportedly killed in another airstrike on the city, including six children, according to Palestinian authorities.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are seeking safety in Rafah, having fled attacks elsewhere in the Gaza Strip.

The IDF says it is unaware of any US sanctions against one of its battalions, after a report claimed Washington is planning such a step against a unit for alleged human rights violations in the West Bank (see our 8.14am post).

The military said that its Netzah Yehuda battalion - which is reportedly the target of potential sanctions - is an active combat unit that operates according to the "principles of international law".

"Following publications about sanctions against the battalion, the IDF is not aware of the issue," military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said. 

"If a decision is made on the matter it will be reviewed. 

"The IDF works and will continue to work to investigate any unusual event in a practical manner and according to law."

We reported this morning the Board of Deputies of British Jews has called for an urgent meeting with Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley, following an officer's handling of an antisemitism campaigner near a pro-Palestinian march (see our 10.14am post).

The group has now said it will meet with Sir Mark later this week, along with the Jewish Leadership Council and antisemitism charity CST.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism, whose chief executive Gideon Falter was the campaigner called "openly Jewish" by a police officer last weekend, has told Sky News it has not been invited to the meeting.

Mr Falter had earlier called for Sir Mark to resign, as did former home secretary Suella Braverman.

In a video of the incident, an officer appears to prevent Mr Falter from crossing the road and tells him: "You are quite openly Jewish. 

"This is a pro-Palestinian march. I am not accusing you of anything, but I am worried about the reaction to your presence."

A government source said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is "appalled" at what happened.

The Met Police has apologised.

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Nicki Minaj's Husband Kenneth Petty Granted Permission to Travel for Pink Friday World Tour While on Probation

In July 2022, Petty was sentenced to a year of house arrest and three years of probation for failing to register as a sex offender

Kenneth Petty has been granted permission to travel internationally to support his wife Nicki Minaj on her Pink Friday World Tour while on probation for failing to register as a sex offender.

On Tuesday, April 16, United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald granted Petty, 46, permission to travel internationally from April 17 to July 14, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE.

"[Petty] shall keep his probation officer updated with the details of his travel itinerary as needed. At the conclusion of the travel, [Petty] must return to Los Angeles and must check in with his probation officer upon returning," the filing states. "Mr. Petty must also provide an itinerary to his probation officer prior to travel and follow all directives of the probation officer."

Petty's lawyer, Michael Goldstein, told PEOPLE in a statement: “The order granted by the court speaks for itself.”

Petty requested the exception on Monday, April 15 and said it was to "travel out of the country with his family for his wife's tour and her professional purposes."

"[Petty] and [Minaj] believe [Petty] is necessary to accompany the family on the tour for various purposes, including childcare," the filing reads, adding that the travel schedule would include several countries including Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Austria, Ireland, Switzerland and Romania.

The filing also noted that the Government was notified about the request and took "no position" — and his probation officer had "no objections."

Jason Merritt/Radarpics/Shutterstock

Minaj, 41, embarked on her Pink Friday World Tour on March 1 in Oakland, Calif.. She is touring in support of her most recent studio album Pink Friday 2 . On Wednesday, April 17, the "Starships" singer was slated to perform in Canada in Montreal, Québec.

Petty's request to travel internationally comes after years of legal trouble. In April 1995, he was convicted of attempted rape  in the first degree for an assault the previous year of a then-16-year-old girl.

He served four years in jail for the assault and was listed as a level two registered sex offender in New York.

Then, he was arrested again in March 2020  because he failed to register as a sex offender when he moved from Miami to California. According to records obtained by PEOPLE, he originally pled guilty and posted $100,000 bail. Then, in September 2021, he pled guilty during a virtual hearing and faced up to 10 years of prison.

In July 2022, Petty  was sentenced  to a year of house arrest and three years of probation, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, plus a $55,000 fine.

In January of this year, Petty and Minaj made headlines after fellow rapper  Megan Thee Stallion   allegedly referenced Petty's status as a level 2 sex offender on her track "Hiss." (Minaj and Megan have had an alleged falling out since collaborating on “Hot Girl Summer" in 2019.)

Minaj first sparked marriage rumors with Petty in March 2019. Then, in October of that year, she confirmed she was married woman with an Instagram  post . "Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty 10*21*19," she captioned a video of some "bride" and "groom" swag, also revealing she hyphenated her last name.

In September 2020, PEOPLE confirmed they welcomed their first baby together, a boy.

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NCSWIC Releases Roles and Responsibilities: Statewide Interoperability Coordinators Document

April O’Reilly, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

The National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) has released the Roles and Responsibilities: Statewide Interoperability Coordinators  (SWICs) handout, which illustrates the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator’s (SWIC) role in supporting and advocating for public safety communications. SWICs perform an integral role in ensuring their states have communications resources that emergency responders need and help facilitate responder communications during emergencies and planned and unplanned events. This handout provides an overview of SWICs’ responsibilities at both the state and national levels and illustrates their role in state, regional, and federal interoperability governance, planning, and coordination. The document highlights the SWICs’ multi-faceted program management, policy development, operational, technological, and education and outreach functions. It also emphasizes the importance of having a designated SWIC Office in each state to provide stable, ongoing support for the state’s critical operable and interoperable emergency communications capabilities. Designed to be an eye-catching handout, this resource is intended to be used by SWICs to help advocate for, explain, and support their role to decision-makers and audiences unfamiliar with the SWIC position.

Roles and Responsibilities: Statewide Interoperability Coordinators  can be found at  About NCSWIC | CISA To learn more about NCSWIC’s work, visit  cisa.gov/safecom/about-ncswic  or email  [email protected] . 

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