The Ultimate Backpacking Documents Checklist: What to Pack Before You Fly

Before you go backpacking, you need to get your documents in order. Even if you love traveling spontaneously, it’s worth bringing a few essential papers along so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about paperwork.

While you’re on the road, staying organized matters. Keep all your important documents in one folder that stays with you at all times, never in your checked luggage. Put it in the carry-on bag you take everywhere.

Having traveled to over 30 countries, I’ve had plenty of time to figure out everything you should pack besides the obvious basics like your passport or visa. Here’s my complete backpacking documents checklist.

Passport

Let’s start with the most obvious one: your passport. Unless you’re not planning to travel internationally, you need to have it with you. Make sure it’s a biometric passport and that it’s valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. So if you’re coming home in September, your passport should be valid until at least the following March. Many countries enforce this six-month validity rule, and some will deny boarding or entry if you don’t meet it, so double-check the requirement for every country on your route before you fly.

Pro tip: Make at least one copy of your passport and pack it in your suitcase or backpack, separate from your hand luggage, that way you have a copy in each piece of luggage. This matters if the bag with your real passport gets stolen or lost. Having a copy makes it much easier to prove your identity at an embassy and get a replacement passport quickly. It’s also worth saving a scanned copy to your email or a secure cloud drive as a digital backup.

Visa

Before you leave, research whether you need a visa for the country or countries you’re visiting. Apply for it, and once you receive it, print it out. At most borders, a physical copy is easier to handle than a digital one on your phone. Keep in mind that you often have to hand your visa over at the border, and it’s a lot more pleasant to hand over a piece of paper than your phone.

International Drivers License

Whether you need this depends on where you’re going and whether you plan to rent a car or scooter. For example: I’m Swiss, and if I want to rent a car in Europe, my regular driver’s license is enough. But if I’m traveling somewhere like Australia, Argentina, or Canada, I need an international driver’s license. You can order one wherever you got your regular license, but unlike your normal license, it isn’t valid indefinitely, you typically need to renew it every two years.

For the international drivers license to be valid, you also need to bring your normal license. Otherwise most car rentals won’t accept it. I have made this mistake before.

International Vaccination Certificate

This one requires a bit of planning ahead. Book a doctor’s appointment about a month before you leave and discuss which vaccinations you need for the countries you’re visiting. Get the necessary shots and ask your doctor for an international vaccination certificate (also known as a yellow fever card or ICVP). Bring this booklet with you, some countries require proof of vaccination on arrival, and you may be denied entry without it.

Passport Photos

Bringing a few passport photos is especially helpful when you’re backpacking and don’t know exactly where you’ll end up. If you travel spontaneously and apply for a visa right at the border, you’ll need to provide a photo, and it’s a lot easier when you already have one ready to hand over. Make sure your photos follow the official passport photo requirements (size, background color, and recency) for the country you’re applying in.

Insurance Information

If you travel often, travel insurance is worth every penny. Print out your policy, or at least their emergency contact information, so you have it on hand in case something goes wrong.

Proof Of Bookings

Some countries require proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay. Sometimes it’s enough to simply tell border officials the name of your hotel or hostel, but other times you’ll need actual proof of booking. Print the confirmation for your first night’s accommodation, that’s usually enough to satisfy a customs officer.

FAQ: Backpacking Documents

How long before my trip should I apply for vaccinations?

Aim to book your travel vaccination appointment at least four weeks before departure — some vaccines need time to take full effect, and a few require multiple doses spaced weeks apart.

Do I need a physical visa if I already have an e-visa?

Even if a country accepts e-visas, it’s safer to carry a printed copy. Border staff don’t always have reliable access to check digital records, and a paper copy avoids delays.

What’s the easiest way to back up my documents while traveling?

Keep physical copies split between your carry-on and your main bag, and store scanned copies in your email or a secure cloud drive you can access from any device and without internet.