Look, let's be honest: nobody wakes up in the morning excited to fill out visa forms or to go get a yellow fever vaccine. What you want is to be taking photos in front of the Taj Mahal, diving in the waters of the Maldives or eating tacos at a street stall in Mexico.
But the truth is harsh: if you slip up on one paperwork detail, your dream trip ends right at the check-in counter, with the agent looking at you like "you're not getting through, mate".
So you don't have to break out in a sweat in front of the customs officer, Martin has put together the practical guide to surviving the paperwork of intercontinental trips:
1. The Sacred 6-Month Passport Rule 🛂
You think your passport is fine because it only expires in two months? Wrong! Most countries outside Europe require your passport to have at least 6 months of validity on the date you enter the country. If you get caught with a "dying" passport, they put you straight back on the next plane home. Check the date today!
2. Visa: Don't Leave it to the Last Minute 📄
These days, many countries have the famous e-Visa (electronic visa), which you get online in 10 minutes. Others, like the US, require the ESTA. But there are countries where you still have to go to the embassy or send your passport in the post.
Pro tip: don't trust the "ah, I'll get the visa on arrival". Read the official rules carefully. There are countries that won't let you board unless you already have the paperwork printed out in your hand.
3. The Travel Clinic: Your Protective Shield 🩺
Heading to Asia, Africa or South America? Book a travel clinic appointment at least one month in advance. The doctor will tell you whether you need specific vaccines or to take the "survival kit" for traveller's diarrhoea (trust me, you'll want that in your backpack).
The International Vaccination Certificate
On top of that, there are countries that require the International Vaccination Certificate to let you in. No certificate, no stamp on the passport!
4. Travel Insurance (Don't Be Stingy Here!) 🏥
In Europe we have the European Health Insurance Card, but outside Europe things get serious. If you have an accident in the US or Thailand and you don't have insurance, the hospital bill can cost more than your new car. Travel insurance costs little more than two or three dinners out and saves your life (and your wallet) in a tight spot.
Paperwork Sorted? Now Sort the Trip-Start in Style!
You've got your passport up to date, the visas approved and your arm sore from the vaccine. You're ready for the big adventure! But there's still one last bureaucratic detail to sort here in Portugal: who's going to take you to the airport with the 3 giant suitcases you decided to bring for 15 days of travel?
Are you going to chance it with an Uber that might not have space for all the gear? Are you going to pay a fortune for a taxi just because your flight is at 5 in the morning?
Keep it simple. You've already done enough work with the paperwork, now you deserve some rest. Take your car, fill the boot to the roof and drive calmly to the airport.
With Multipark, the process is simpler than filling out a form: you arrive at the Departures door, hand the keys to our driver and head to check-in. Our Valet Parking service keeps your car in a safe place while you explore the world.
And on the way back, with jet lag hitting hard and the bags even heavier with souvenirs? Your car is right there waiting at the terminal door, ready to take you to your bed.
Sort the destination paperwork — we'll sort the logistics here. Make your booking on the Multipark site and travel hassle-free!
