Flying on a private aircraft comes with many perks: a much quicker takeoff time, superb first-class seats, and premier in-flight service, but what about documents? Do you need a passport on a private jet?
In this article, you can find out what you need when traveling with aircraft charter services, including passports for you and your pets, visas, and photo identification.
Documents Required for International Private Jet Travel
Whether or not you need specific travel documents depends primarily on your destination. Keep reading to learn the general requirements for international travel on a private jet.
Passport
Choosing air charter services over major airlines allows you to skip security lines, but do you still need your passport? If you’re traveling internationally, the answer is yes. You will still have to show a valid passport before you can enter another country.
Typically, you’ll show your passport to the flight crew when boarding the private jet and to customs workers when you land at your destination. You should ensure your passport has more than six months left after your departure date, because some countries won’t permit entry if your passport expires soon.
Visa
If the country you’re traveling to requires a student, work, or tourism visa for entry, then you will most likely have to show one to your flight crew and at your destination’s customs checkpoint.
However, if you’re a jet setter traveling for business or tourism, you might qualify for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which exempts you from needing a visa to travel to the U.S. for less than 90 days. If you’re a citizen or national of an eligible country under the VWP, you can get approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
For U.S. travelers, some countries allow you to apply for a visa on arrival, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Maldives, and the United Arab Emirates.
Photo Identification
Many private jet services must check the photo identification of passengers who are over 18 by law, so it’s best to bring an ID, such as your driver’s license, even if you aren’t traveling internationally. While children typically won’t need a photo ID, you might need to provide proof of their identity, which could be a birth certificate.
Pet Passport
One of the bonuses of traveling on a private jet is the ability to have your pet alongside you on the flight. However, you will likely need certain documents for your pet to enter another country. The requirements for traveling internationally with a pet vary depending on what type of animal it is and the destination country.
You should coordinate with your veterinarian to check your destination country’s health, quarantine, and customs requirements for pets. Most countries require a certificate that verifies your pet’s health, vaccinations, and required treatments.
If you want to travel to the U.S. with your pet, you might need to meet the requirements of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Additionally, you’ll need to adhere to the pet health demands of the state you’re traveling to.
What Else To Keep In Mind for Private Jet Travel
Aircraft chartering services have different rules and regulations than traditional airlines, but the need for certain travel documents still applies to non-commercial fliers. However, flying private comes with many advantages that make traveling more comfortable and convenient, whether it’s for business or pleasure.
Security
While you can’t bypass security entirely, you do get to skip the aggravatingly long lines. You can keep your shoes on and head to a fixed-based operator (FBO) for a much faster security check for private jet fliers. In some cases, you can drive directly to your aircraft on the tarmac for even easier boarding.
Customs
A customs check in your destination country is still necessary, but you likely won’t wait like commercial fliers. The customs agents might even come to you to check if you have anything to declare and, if necessary, check your bags.
Travel Time
Private jets can fly faster than commercial aircraft, meaning you can enjoy fewer hours of flight time until your destination. Aircraft charter services are the best option if you want to get to your business conference with plenty of time to spare.
Travel the World With Comfort, Safety, and Convenience
So, do you need a passport on a private jet? For international travel, yes, you need a passport just like fliers on commercial airlines. However, choosing an aircraft charter for international business travel will deliver the best experience. Contact Vitesse for sophisticated, private air and ground charter services, no matter where you’re headed.
