2025 Summer Travel Tips

With the summer quickly approaching, global mobility and HR teams should be prepared to support employees with international travel plans to ensure continued compliance and mitigate potential challenges in the current U.S. immigration climate. This is especially true because immigration requirements vary significantly depending on the travel destination, the planned duration of stay and several other factors. Even transit through certain countries may come with additional steps and requirements. Proper preparation is key to making a smoother journey.

The following summer travel tips are designed to help foreign nationals and HR professionals supporting employees navigate the travel process. The information below outlines some of the common situations you may encounter when traveling internationally. For specific guidance, remember to consult with an immigration professional.

Ensure Your Immigration Travel Documents Are Valid

Travel preparation starts well before departure. You may need several weeks or even months to ensure your travel documents are ready for your trip.

Below are some common travel documents you may need:

Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for the duration your destination country requires—often six months beyond the expected return date.
Visa Requirements: You may need a valid visa stamp or other visa or entry documentation (potentially issued digitally) for many countries to make your trip. Prior to travel, make sure to check the requirements for undertaking the trip and, as early as possible, book an appointment at the relevant embassy or consulate to secure your visa well in advance. Wait times can be longer during summer months, so early planning is essential.
Proof of Employment or Sponsorship: Certain countries may require you to show proof of continuing employment or sponsorship while abroad. Bring copies of recent pay stubs, an employment verification letter or other necessary documents to demonstrate your current employment status.
Permanent Residence or Immigration Applications: If you hold a residence permit or are in the process of obtaining permanent residence, ensure you have valid re-entry documentation. If you’re awaiting approval on an application, consult with legal counsel before traveling to avoid any issues.

Check Transit and Travel Requirements

If your travel involves a layover in another country, you may need a transit visa or specific documents, even if only a stopover is contemplated. Research the country of transit’s requirements and confirm any necessary paperwork or required visas with your legal counsel before departure.

It is best practice to also check with your air carrier (or other travel provider) regarding any requirements they may have for boarding, disembarking or entry to the destination country for both transit and destination locations. In some instances, an airline’s interpretation of current rules and regulations may differ from the specific requirements outlined by the governments of the relevant countries, so it is prudent to check with your travel provider to ensure their requirements are also met before travel.

Plan for Potential Delays

International travel can involve unexpected delays, especially during busy summer months. Add buffer time to your itinerary to account for potential delays with customs checks, security screenings and other processes. If possible, try to book flexible trips that can be rescheduled (and refunded).

Navigating Immigration Requirements When Re-Entering Your Country of Employment

Requirements and experiences for re-entering your destination country can vary. For example:

Questions from Border Officials: Be prepared to answer questions about your purpose of travel, job title, employer and length of stay. Reviewing relevant details about your employment can help you respond confidently. Consult your legal team before departure if you’re unsure of specific details.
Checking Immigration Documents: Upon re-entry, double-check that your information has been recorded accurately by customs and immigration officials. You can view your entry records online to confirm your authorized stay period in many countries.

Foreign nationals traveling to and from the U.S. must meet specific immigration requirements. Consult with your immigration service provider for personalized guidance on your situation and summer travel tips.

U.S. Travel Tips

Specific immigration requirements apply to foreign nationals traveling to and from the U.S. We advise caution in planning international travel to the U.S. in the current immigration climate, particularly for students or individuals with previous law enforcement encounters of any kind. Consult with your immigration service provider for specific guidance on your situation.

Ensure Your U.S. Immigration Documents Are Valid

Form I-797 Approval & Petition: Bring your latest Form I-797 Approval Notice and a full copy of your employer’s petition for nonimmigrant, employment-based petitions.
L-1 Blanket Petition Applicants: Bring your endorsed Form I-129S stamped by a U.S. immigration officer.
Visa Stamps: Most nonimmigrant workers need a valid visa stamp for their specific category to re-enter the U.S. If the stamp has expired, you must renew it at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Use the Department of State’s scheduling website to book early to account for potential delays. In recent months, the Department of State has made abrupt changes to visa processing criteria. Some of these changes affect interview waiver (dropbox) eligibility requirements and introduce additional vetting procedures. Please also see our news alert regarding potential consular closures and travel bans.
Advance Parole: For those with pending adjustment of status or immigration applications, a valid Advance Parole document is necessary for re-entry to the U.S. (unless holding certain work visas like H-1B or L-1). If your Advance Parole application is still pending, please contact your legal counsel before departing the US.
Pending Green Card/Adjustment of Status Application: If you have a pending greencard or adjustment of status application, have your valid Advance Parole document or a valid H-1B visa or L-1A/L-1B nonimmigrant visa to re-enter the U.S.

Navigating U.S. Entry

Be Prepared for Stricter Questioning Upon Re-entry: U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) officers may ask more intensive questions about your employer, job title, purpose of stay, and immigration history. Review job details from your most recent visa petition to respond accurately. Truthful answers are essential; consult with your legal team for clarification.
Enhanced Security Screening: You may be subject to biometrics collection and/or electronic device searches.
Rights and Limitations: You do not have a right to an attorney at U.S. Ports of Entry, but officials may allow you to contact your legal team if needed.
Confirm I-94 Details: Upon re-entry, review your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record online to confirm that your information is correct and that you were admitted with the correct status and authorized stay period. If anything appears incorrect, contact your legal team for guidance.

Real ID Document Requirements Effective for U.S. Domestic Travel

Effective May 7, 2025, travelers aged 18 or older, including U.S. citizens, permanent residents and nonimmigrants, must present a REAL ID-compliant document or an acceptable alternative to board a U.S. domestic commercial air flight and access certain federal facilities. Travelers who do not have an acceptable document may be subject to additional screening or refused boarding.

The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Travelers are strongly encouraged to check the accepted IDs shortly before traveling to confirm that their documentation meets the requirements.

To confirm if your ID is READ ID compliant, please check for the requirements for your state of residence here. For more information, consult the REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions provided by TSA.

Support from HR Professionals for Summer Travel

Navigating international travel requires careful planning and expert guidance. By following these summer travel tips and partnering with an immigration service provider like Envoy Global, HR teams and foreign national employees can enjoy a seamless, stress-free experience.

At Envoy Global, we bring together smart, friendly legal teams and smart, friendly technology to simplify immigration for companies and the global talent they depend on. Whether your team is preparing for international business travel or managing complex immigration processes, we’re here to provide the support you need for a smooth journey.

Learn more about how our team can help your organization manage international business travel and immigration around the world—contact us today!