International Travel Documents
Definition of Terms

Please note that for flights to and from international destinations, including Canada and Mexico, government regulations require the use of a passport. Acquiring a U.S. passport may take up to 6 weeks (or 2 weeks expedited). More information

Passport:

A valid passport is the best evidence of citizenship. Although presenting a passport is not a guarantee of admission into another country, it is by far the most widely accepted travel document. Be sure that your passport has not expired. Many countries require the passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned stay in their country. It's always a good idea to make a photocopy of the 'bio' page (with your name, photograph, date and place of birth, etc.) of your valid passport in case it is lost or misplaced in a foreign country. The photocopy will be very helpful to the consulate or embassy when issuing a replacement. Keep the photocopy in a separate place.

If the name on the passport is not the same as on your ticket, you must present documented evidence for the discrepancy. This is most common with newlyweds, when a spouse has not changed the name on their identification to match their new surname. A photocopy of a marriage license will dispel confusion with customs and immigration officers.

U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): Form I-551

The U.S. Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a 'Green Card' must not be expired, or it's not valid for travel.

U.S. Permanent Resident card will no longer be accepted for entrance into Mexico from the United States.
However, passengers are required to present an unexpired U.S. Permanent Resident Card for travel or re-entry into the United States from Mexico.

To Canada from the United States, a legal permanent resident of the United States may travel with just a valid, unexpired U.S. Permanent Resident Card; their non-American national passport is not required to enter Canada when presenting a valid, unexpired Green Card for travel.

Alaska Airlines will not accept receipts, photocopies of receipts, or photocopies of lost or misplaced I-551 cards, or any other such documents in lieu of the actual laminated U.S. Permanent Resident Card.

More detailed information may be obtained by calling the Alaska Airlines International Desk at 1-800-308-0101.

Back to International Travel Documents