Lori Meadows
International students with valid passports and F1 visas can board domestic flights in the US. However, it is recommended to carry immigration documents and valid passports to avoid any issues, especially when travelling close to the US borders. While it is unlikely, one may be asked to provide proof of lawful status in the US. Students are advised to carry valid travel documents to remain compliant with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Passport validity | Should be valid for at least six months after the date of entry to the U.S. |
| Travel within the U.S. | A copy of the passport information page may be carried instead of the original passport |
| Travel within the U.S. and its territories | No updated travel signature is required |
| Travel within the U.S. | Photo identification issued by the State may be sufficient, but it is recommended to carry copies of the passport, valid visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 |
| TSA checkpoints | A passport is an acceptable form of identification |
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What You'll Learn
- For US domestic flights, carry your passport and immigration documents
- You may be asked for these documents when travelling by car, train or bus
- Carry a copy of your passport information page for routine travel
- You don't need an updated travel signature for travel within the US
- Photo ID issued by a US state is sufficient for US travel
For US domestic flights, carry your passport and immigration documents
For international students, it is important to carry your passport and immigration documents when travelling on a US domestic flight. While a valid passport is always required for international travel to and from the US, there are specific recommendations and requirements for domestic travel, too.
Firstly, it is recommended that you carry your passport at all times when travelling outside of your city. This is because US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may carry out random checks and transportation checks within 100 miles of any external US boundary. These checks can include transportation hubs, such as airports, and it is important to remain compliant by carrying valid travel documents. While it is unlikely that you would be questioned, having these documents provides immediate proof of your lawful status in the US.
For US domestic flights, you will need to show valid identification to get through TSA checkpoints. A valid foreign passport is an acceptable form of ID at TSA checkpoints. You may also need to show your passport when checking in for your flight, so it is always best to carry it with you. Additionally, if you are travelling within a few hours of the US borders, it is particularly important to carry your passport and immigration documents, as you are more likely to encounter immigration checkpoints.
It is recommended that you carry copies of your passport, visa, and other relevant documents, such as your I-20 or DS-2019, when travelling domestically. This reduces the risk of losing or misplacing your original documents. You may also choose to carry a copy of your passport information page for routine travel within your city.
It is important to note that, as of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Therefore, it is best to carry your passport or another acceptable form of ID when travelling on US domestic flights.
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You may be asked for these documents when travelling by car, train or bus
International students can board domestic flights in the US with a valid passport. However, it is recommended to carry a copy of the passport information page for routine travel, such as within the city, to avoid the risk of losing or misplacing the original passport.
When travelling by car, train, or bus, you may be asked to provide valid travel documents, especially if you are travelling near the US-Canada or US-Mexico borders, or along the US coastline. This is due to the authority of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to perform random checks within a 100-mile zone from any external boundary of the United States. Thus, it is advised to always carry valid travel documents, such as:
- A valid passport
- A visa or other entry document for the countries you will visit
- Proof of rabies vaccination for dogs travelling with you
- Medications in their original packaging, only in the amount needed for the trip
- Permits and/or certificates if travelling with restricted animal or plant products
- Receipts or registration for new electronics, such as a camera or laptop (suggested for items less than six months old)
Additionally, when purchasing travel tickets, ensure that the name on your ticket matches the name on your passport or official ID to avoid any issues with verifying your identity at checkpoints.
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Carry a copy of your passport information page for routine travel
It is recommended that international students carry a copy of their passport information page for routine travel, such as within their city. This is to avoid the risk of losing or misplacing their original passport, which is an important document to keep secure. Having a copy of your passport can also be useful if you need to provide proof of identification.
While a passport is not always necessary for routine travel, it is better to be prepared. For example, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may occasionally carry out transportation checks or traffic stops within 100 miles of the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders, as well as along the U.S. coastline. In these areas, having a valid passport is essential to remaining compliant with CBP checks.
Additionally, while photo identification issued by a U.S. state should be sufficient for air travel within the country, it is strongly recommended to bring a copy of your passport and visa when travelling by plane, car, train, or bus. This is especially true if you are travelling within a few hours of the U.S. borders, as you may be questioned and will need to provide immediate proof of your lawful status.
Therefore, to ensure compliance with any potential checks and to have a form of identification, international students should carry a copy of their passport information page for routine travel. This simple step can provide peace of mind and help students avoid any potential issues during their travels.
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You don't need an updated travel signature for travel within the US
International students can board domestic flights in the US with a valid passport. The passport should be valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the US. For routine travel, such as within your city, you may carry a copy of your passport's information page to avoid the risk of losing the original document.
When travelling within the US and its territories (such as Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam), you do not need an updated travel signature. However, if your visa expires before you return to the US from a trip abroad, you will need to reapply for the F-1 or J-1 visa from outside the US.
A travel signature is required only when returning to the US. If you do not have a valid travel signature, you may be issued a Form I-515A by the US Port-of-Entry officer, which allows a temporary stay of 30 days in the country. This document may cause some delays at the Port of Entry, so it is advisable to contact the Office of International Services (OIS) to fix your status as soon as you arrive in the US.
To obtain an updated travel signature, you can request one from your university's international student office or Designated School Official (DSO). They may provide you with a new I-20 form with the travel endorsement via email within 24 to 48 hours. It is always better to plan ahead and allow sufficient time to obtain the necessary documentation before your travel dates.
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Photo ID issued by a US state is sufficient for US travel
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include state-issued driver's licenses or state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). A state-issued REAL ID will have a star in the upper right-hand corner. If your driver's license or state ID has this star, it is REAL ID-compliant, and you do not need to take any further action.
If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. You can also refer to the REAL ID website for more details and frequently asked questions.
In addition to a REAL ID-compliant state-issued ID, other acceptable forms of identification for US travel include:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you will need to carry your passport and immigration documents when travelling on a domestic flight in the U.S.
It is recommended that you also carry copies of your valid F or J visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94. If you have a U.S.-issued driver's license, this is not sufficient evidence of lawful status in the U.S.
No, for travel within the U.S. and its territories (e.g. Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam), an updated travel signature is not required.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may carry out random checks within a 100-mile zone from any external boundary of the U.S. These checks may include transportation checks or traffic stops, so it is important to always carry valid travel documents when travelling in these areas.
