Essential documents for a successful trip

To travel with complete peace of mind, it's essential to plan ahead and anticipate administrative formalities. However, this can prove difficult, as requirements vary from country to country. To help you see things more clearly, Beep Valet, your car park near Mérignac, presents the essential documents you need to bring with you for a stress-free journey.

Check the validity of your identity documents

Depending on the country you wish to visit, the passport may not be a requirement for travel. If you are planning to stay in a member country of the European Union, your identity card may suffice. This identity document is valid for 15 years and is issued free of charge to French citizens. However, it can take a long time to obtain, so you should apply at least one month before your departure to avoid unnecessary stress.

A passport is required for travel outside the European Union. To obtain it in France, you can submit your application to the town hall. There are also counters with registration stations in some towns to facilitate the procedure.

Passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors. The time taken to obtain the permit varies from two to three weeks, depending on the period and the place of application. During holiday periods, the number of applications is higher and the time taken can be longer. It is therefore advisable to apply well in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Get your visa in advance for a worry-free trip

Some countries require a visa in addition to a valid passport to authorise a foreigner to enter their territory. The visa may take the form of a paper document or a stamp. affixed to the inside of the passport.

It is important to check whether or not a visa is required before travelling to a country outside Europe. The cost and period of validity of this document vary according to the destination. Visit application can be made on the website of the embassy or consulate of the country of destination and sometimes at the arrival airport.

Some countries require an entry permit, such as the ESTA form needed for travel to the United States. This document must be completed and paid for online no later than 72 hours before departure.

To prepare for your trip in the best possible way, it's a good idea to think about other preparations that will give you peace of mind. If you are travelling by car, it may be a good idea to book a car park so that you can park your vehicle safely.

Beep Valet, a parking close to Bordeaux Mérignac airportoffers you the opportunity to park your car in an extremely secure area. A shuttle will then take you to the airport with complete peace of mind. This service allows you to leave on holiday or on a business trip with complete peace of mind.

Travel insurance

It is rare, but in some countries, take out travel insurance may be required to stay there. China, Algeria, Russia and Cuba are examples of countries where this is required. Even though this formality is not required in most destinations, it is strongly recommended for the following reasons protect yourself against the risk of illness or accident when travelling abroad.

If you don't have travel insurance, you'll have to pay the full cost of medical treatment or repatriation in the event of an accident or illness abroad. This is why we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance, even if it is not compulsory in most countries.

This insurance generally covers most unforeseen losses, such as medical expenses, hospitalisation costs and repatriation to the country of origin. It is important to ensure that the insurance contract includes these essential guarantees.

Civil liability must also be taken into account, as it allows you to cover damage caused to others in the event of an accident.

Prepare your healthcare documents

Even if you're in good health, it's always possible to fall ill while travelling abroad. If you are travelling in Europe, it is advisable to obtain the European Health Insurance Card, which facilitates access to medical care in the member countries of the European Union, as well as in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.

It is also important to check that your vaccinations are up to datewhatever your destination. The most recommended vaccines include those against :

• whooping cough,
• tuberculosis,
• tetanus,
• poliomyelitis,
• mumps,
• rubella,
• measles
• and diphtheria.

If you are planning to travel to a country where health conditions are unreliable, you may need to be vaccinated against other diseases such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid and yellow fever.

National and international driving licences

Driving licences are often neglectedBut it is essential if you plan to drive abroad. Although a national driving licence is sufficient in the European Union and the Schengen area, this is not always the case outside Europe.

In some cases, an international driving licence may be required, which you can request from the préfecture and which will be sent by post. However, it is important to note that both licences must be presented abroad, as the international licence is only valid with the national licence.

In short, good organisation is crucial to a successful trip abroad, so make sure you have all your travel documents in order to avoid any inconvenience.