travel history form sample

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• Travel Form

FREE 7+ Travel History Forms in PDF | MS Word

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What is a Travel History Form?

Technically, a travel history form is a documentation of the recent or previous travels of an individual. This form is often used in order to track where and when the business events were held, and who among of the employees have represented the company or the business. Nevertheless, these travel history forms are not just to document the places where you have recently been, but also to help you track different specific information such as the following:

1. The Travel Mileage

This mileage pertains to the number of miles traveled by the individual, as well as the volume of fuel used for the transportation. Tracking the mileage of the different trips or travels would help the business management conduct a proper budget allocation for the transportation fuel and other traveling expenses. This is to avoid the employees from spending their personal cash or money on behalf of the company. The details or information of mileage could also be documented with the use of mileage report forms .

2. The Travel Reimbursements

The reimbursements are with regards to the amount of money spent by the employee or representative during the business trips or travels held at a certain location. Therefore, these pertained expenses are basically with regards to the amount spent that were not catered from the travel budget given to the employee or representative. For those employees who are planning to request for reimbursements, they could fill out the reimbursement request forms.

3. The Travel Information

This   is with regards to where the specific business events were held and for what reasons. This will help you keep or secure a document with all the business trips and travels that you and/or employees have been involved to make your business is known to the public.

Travel History Form in Doc

Travel History Form Details

Size: 35 KB

Travel History Information Form

Size: 190 KB

The Essential Documents for Business Travels

All business trips or travels come with the requirements that should be submitted by the employee or the representative who is or are appointed to attend on behalf of the company. Therefore, refer to the following below to know what are the essential documents that each individual must provide. You may also see sample travel medical forms

1. Travel Medical Clearance

Employees are not permitted to attend any business trip or travel if they are not qualified for their medical clearance . Securing this kind of clearance is one way for the company or the management to reduce the liabilities when there are some circumstances such as incident. Therefore, it is mandatory that each employee is certified to be cleared of any health complications, which could be worsened when traveling.

2. Travel Approval Form

When the employee or the representative is confirmed to be qualified for any business travels, the travel approval form should be filled out with the necessary information such as the following:

• The travel itinerary that specifies the exact date and time for the trip’s departure and arrival to the specific location.
• The list of company equipment or properties that are brought to the event. This is in order to ensure that these properties are returned to the company after the event in proper condition. Otherwise, the employee will either be liable for replacing these or paying for the damages.
• The estimated cost for the whole trip or travel. This is in order for the management to provide sufficient amount of the travel budget.
• The employee’s declaration or confirmation that he or she has read and has fully understood the travel policies and procedures.
• The manager’s or head’s approval for the business travel involvement of the employee or the representative.

3. Travel Insurance Claim Form

This claim form is often utilized when an employee suffers an injury while traveling for business purposes. With the use of the form, all specific details are documented to help the management understand and justify the reasons for claims. However, the acceptance of this form by the insurance company does not necessarily mean that the company is admitting the liabilities. Nevertheless, the incident report will still be investigated and reviewed thoroughly, by basing on the statements and pieces of evidence.

4. Travel Expense Form

The travel expenses are mandatory to be documented on the expense form. This is in order for the management to track how much is spent on the different incidentals or expenditures to make sure that they allocate the budget effectively and is sufficient for the different business travels. With the expense report forms, the employee will be able to indicate how much he has spent on the company’s behalf for reimbursement. This could also be done by filling out the travel reimbursement claim form which is used to document all the details of when the personal money was spent by the employee.

Interactive Travel History Form

Fillable Travel History Form

Size: 321 KB

Trip or Travel History Form

Size: 564 KB

The Importance of Travel History Forms

These forms designed for travel history are mandatory not only just to track the travel mileage reports , travel expenses, the reimbursements, claims, etc., but also for the following reasons:

1. When the person has been transmitted with a disease. It is important that the medical practitioners know where the person has been to determine if the disease was obtained from the places he or she recently was.

2. When the applicant applies for a job. Some companies would ask for the applicant’s travel history.

3. When the person applies for a security clearance and various kinds of thorough background checks are conducted. Technically, the travel history is also essential for the management to know the person’s recent travels for security purposes.

4. When the person files a visa application. The application form for a visa is often filled out when the applicant wishes to enter other countries and asked for the permission to stay over a period of time.

These are the common reasons why travel history forms are necessarily completed and documented.

The Essential Travel History Information

In recording the travel history, the few information that is necessary to be filled out on the form are the following:

• The representative or the employee information .
• The medical history information.
• The travel specifics or trip information.
• The budget allocated for each trip or travel.
• The travel itinerary with detailed specifications.
• Other attached documents that are necessary (medical clearance, travel approval or consent, etc.)

For some companies, they would often conduct a further assessment which includes the travel history of the individual for the past five years.

Student Travel History Form

Size: 44 KB

Travel Medical History Form

Size: 16 KB

Tips for Documenting Travel History

While documenting your travel history, there are a few things that you need to consider. Refer to the following below to know what these are.

1. Make sure that all information you input in the travel history form for travel is correct and accurate. Know that any falsification of the information would cause some consequences.

2. All expenditures must be documented in order for the management to track how much should be allocated for the travel budget.

3. Make sure that all information is finalized and documented using the travel expense report form.

4. Do not forget to list all the details and information with regards to the amount spent on personal cash. This is in order to notify and ask for reimbursement for the expenses incurred during the event, trip, or travel.

5. Require the employees or the representatives to take note of the details of what the event or trip was about. This is to know if the event is helpful for the business development and growth.

6. The forms should be submitted within the specified period of time in order to avoid any delays in the individual’s application or process. Submission of incomplete information would result in further interrogation with regards to the application or submission of the form.

7. The history forms that are required for some applications should be submitted to the authorized person in order for the process to be completed on time.

8. Review and finalize the details or information written in the travel history form before it is submitted.

These are few of the basic tips that you could refer to when documenting the travel history for the different business trips or events held for a particular purpose. You may also like sample travel approval forms

Therefore, these travel history forms are utilized for two main reasons: to document all the travel histories for different purposes and to keep track and list all the different expenditures in order to have a proper budget allocation for the whole trip or travel. To gain further information with regards to these forms, refer to the following downloadable forms for travel history provided for you in this article. You may also check out sample travel forms

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Travel Log: Everything You Need to Know (FAQs)

9 Tips For Keeping a Perfect Travel Log

How to Create a Travel Log (Tips and Examples)

45 travel log templates and examples (100% free).

A good friend of mine once said she learned more about the world, its history, its cultures, and its beauty from traveling than she ever did in school or from books or videos. Experiencing something out of your comfort zone is an exhilarating experience. Exposure to new cultures and their food and customs teaches us to accept those cultures and appreciate the world around us.

Once you are home and friends ask you about your trip, at first, it is all current, and you have lots to talk about, but within a few weeks or months, some places you visited may be forgotten, or the names of cities, museums, different foods are hard to recall. This is where a travel log is very useful to help everyone appreciate the trip even years later. A Vlog or video log on a social media platform can provide instant gratification to you and your friends. They can keep tabs on you and experience your experiences almost as if they were with you.

Preparing a great travel log in booklet form or video form takes some effort and organization; however, it is worth having this record that can be referred to over and over again. In this post, we will explore some of the concepts about travel logs, how they are used, and tips for maintaining a travel log.

What Is a Travel Log?

Both companies and individuals use travel logs to track their travel. Many companies ask their employees to complete spreadsheets or online tracking systems to track the dates, locations, and expenses for their travel. These travel logs are data-driven and used by the company to track their employee’s travel, to repay employees for their expenses, and to claim these expenses on their annual tax filing.

Travel logs for individuals may contain all of the same information and a lot more. They are also known as travel journals. In a personal travel log or travel journal, travelers write about their experiences on their trips, the places they visited, meals they enjoyed, events, and historic locations they visited. Many will also include pictures of these locations and people they met along the way. These memories, stories, and adventures are captured in their travel log/journal and referred to for years after they return from their trip.

What is a Travel Log Template?

A travel log template is a blank, editable sheet that helps users create a friendly business travel log or personal travel journal according to their needs. Travel log templates save time and provide consistency for both employees and individuals who want to keep track of their travel and expenses. Companies use templates and make them available to their employees to use whenever they are traveling and need to report their expenses. Company travel log templates include basic information such as the date, time, expense, location, the reason for travel, and miscellaneous such as project or tracking codes needed for tax purposes.

Individuals traveling around the world on various trips use a travel log template to save them time and help them keep track of their budget, memorialize their experiences, and include both narrative and photos. The template can be used to begin a new record on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

Why Keep a Travel Log When Traveling?

There are many reasons to keep a travel log while traveling. They include the following:

• Staying Organized
• Managing Stress
• Remembering Your Trip
• Achieving Goals
• Improving Memory
• Improving Writing Skills

Staying Organized – writing in a travel log helps everyone organize their thoughts and focus on things they still want to see or do. You may plan to see a variety of events in a given location. Writing about them helps compare and keep track of what you have seen and what you need to prioritize in the remaining time you have before moving on to the next location.

Managing Stress – many people find that writing about their day, both good and bad is a great way to vent and obtain relief from stressful situations. Writing about your experiences is a great way to reduce tensions that many people would internalize otherwise.

Remembering Your Trip – over time, we all lose memories of important details about our trips and experiences. Writing about your experiences, especially those that made an impression at the time, helps you to remember them by referring back to your journal regularly.

Achieving Goals – many travelers write down their goals for their trip, the places they want to see, and the activities they want to do. As you complete them, tick off these items, write about them and review those goals you still have to complete.

Improving Memory – seeing something, talking about it, and then writing about it is considered one of the best ways to strengthen memories of your experiences.

Improving Writing Skills – when we write something, we also know that other people may also read this material. Our pride ensures that we take the time to write well, clearly with good punctuation, spelling, and grammar.

Business Travel Log Vs. Personal Travel Log

Business travel log.

A business travel log is a record of business expenses, purposes, and outcomes of a business trip. You can use a business travel log for official reasons, such as tax deductions by the IRS.

Personal Travel Log

A personal travel journal is a time capsule of your experiences, emotions, scenes, and reflections of your vacation. You write any exciting details of your trip in a personal travel log.

Essential Elements of a Travel Log

Essential elements of a travel log for companies often include basic information compared to a tourist travel log. Corporate travel logs include:

• Reason for travel and
• Miscellaneous items – Project or tracking codes – Tax information

Individuals include much of the same information; however, there is more focus on their experiences on the trip as well as planning details for their trip. In addition to the above topics, including items such as:

• Destination plans
• Room for documenting experiences
• Room for adding photos and other items of interest

How to Keep a Travel Log (Video)

How to keep a business travel log.

Before writing a travel log, you need the proper documentation essential for any tax benefits or compensation.

Step 1) Mileage Records

Record all mileage expenses during your trip. Use a well-calibrated odometer to document the distance traveled using a car. Alternatively, when using air, water, or train transport, record travel duration and indicate the start and endpoints of your journey.

Warning: Don’t use estimates to record your mileage. The IRS has the mandate to review your log during tax inquisitions ; therefore, only write what you can prove.

The case of the Moores (Moore vs. Comm’r, TC Summ. OP. 2012_16) shows the grave nature of mileage records. The tax court and the IRS declined their deduction in the ruling due to questionable and erroneous entries. Mr. and Mrs. Moore recorded all their mileage on a logbook for their real estate brokerage firm on 12 separate pages, one for each month of the year.

Tip: Use reputable mileage apps that record accurate mileage.

Step 2) Other Expense Respites

In addition to mileage records, gather hotel, food, stationery, and other minor expense receipts. Separate the receipts from personal expenses and the business’s expenses.

Step 3) Chronological Order

A well-designed business travel log employs good chronological order. No rule restricts you to using the exact sequence of events; however, when referencing your journal in the future and you are pressed for time, it saves the hassle.

Step 4) Review and Verification

Review the cost at the end of each trip and send the log to the accounts department for verification.

It is good practice to have multiple copies of the travel journal. Always keep the original business trip log in a secured file cabinet .

How to Start a Personal Travel Journal

There is no right way to keep a travel journal. Whether you are artistic or prefer to keep things simple, all you need is your thoughts, a good pen, and a notebook. Let’s guide you through how to set up an evocative travel journal.

Step 1) Collect Data

Collect all your photos, brochures, maps, plane tickets on the table.

Step 2) Collect Essentials

Choose a good pen that doesn’t blot the paper. Also, buy a travel journal, scissors, highlighters, and glue.

Step 3) Start Writing

Write your thoughts about the journey and attach descriptive photos and illustrations. Write about the smells of street food, the texture of the sand, and any sensory aspect you feel will best document your experiences.

Step 4) Attach Mementos

Pressed leaves, flowers, and rock fragments are some mementos you can include. Downsize the larger pictures and fix them on the matching page of the trip.

Step 5) Review

Review your log after every trip and constantly update it. The early evening before dinner is an opportune time to update a personal travel journal.

Tip: You can write the expectations of your trip beforehand and then compare the notes with the actual experience after on for a more exciting journal.

Travel Log Templates and Examples

• Travel Logs (MS Excel)
• Travel Logs (MS Word)
• Travel Logs (PDF Format)

Travel Log Templates (MS Excel)

Travel Log Templates (MS Word)

Travel Log Templates (PDF)

Materials You May Want to Purchase for Your Travels

Buy a hardcover lightweight journal that has a strong binding and can also hold photos and postcards. Include pens , markers , and highlighters to write about your trip and highlight some of those you want to draw attention to. If you are so inclined, include tools for sketching as well. You will need adhesives to attach photos, postcards, and other mementos to your journal. Other tools include scissors for trimming items, a ruler , a clear folder to collect and hold mementos, a map of the area you are visiting, and writing as you go in your journal.

How to Prepare a Travel Log

Follow these general steps the first time you use a travel log on one of your trips. After you gain some experience with travel logs, feel free to make adjustments to fit your likes and dislikes, travel style, and time to make entries in your travel log.

Remember that you are traveling and may not have room for extensive materials . Take the essentials and be prepared to replenish them along the way, particularly if it is a long trip . The following will help you prepare for beginning your trip with your travel log.

Start by planning your trip and use your journal to record your travel plans. Places to visit, restaurants you want to try, and various sights that are on your itinerary.

Leave room to add those you discover along the way. You can also record contact information for hotels and places you will be staying as well as transportation.

Write as you travel. It is easier to recall your experiences if you write about them immediately. Even after a few days, you may not recall details that were important to you at the time. You will not miss them if you write about them in your journal.

Jotting things down in point form will help the memory and make it easier to expand on each point later on. Add pictures to each point or section if possible.

Friends and family who read your journal will appreciate it if you write about what it was like to visit a location, what you learned, the things that surprised you, and what you found disappointing. Everyone gets so much more out of a journal when they can immerse themselves in your trip vicariously.

Tips for keeping a Travel Log

The following are a collection of tips that many readers may find useful:

• Begin writing in your journal before you leave home about the planning and the places you intend to visit
• Instead of making lists of things you did, tell a story about your experiences
• Include information about what you thought or felt about the places you visited
• Include the not so great experiences
• Write your thoughts while they are still fresh in your mind
• Take lots of pictures to help you recall your many experiences
• Summarize the best parts of your trip
• Include your experiences – the food, the people, excursions, impressions, and things of beauty around you
• Include funny moments
• Set aside time every day to write in your journal and summarize your day
• Jot down points if you are tight for time. These will be great memory joggers for later when you have time to fill out your journal

Other Types of Travel Logs

Technology and social media have progressed significantly. Today’s smartphones can take excellent photos, narrate videos, and convert spoken words into text. Various platforms support Vlogs and videos that can be uploaded in real-time. Your followers can see and hear your experiences instantly. Using a smartphone is convenient, and many provide excellent quality images which can be labeled with titles and notes. You may still want to carry a journal to make manual notes to help you, later on, add audio and text to your videos and pictures.

There are also purpose-built apps that can be downloaded to your smartphone to help document your travels. Add notes, videos, and photos along with captions to your images. Links to images can be added for your readers to explore online websites if they want more information. These apps also automatically capture the current weather conditions and the GPS location, which helps create a detailed online log for your readers and yourself.

Once you are home, you will have all of the details to update your manual journal with notes and images.

Travel Log Ideas to Inspire You

It helps to think about why you are keeping a travel journal. Of course, you are writing for yourself so that you can refer to your trip notes many times after you return home. Add sufficient details and information that will trigger great memories of your trips years later when you are doing a trip down memory lane.

• Many people find inspiration from comments they receive from others. Family members and friends enjoy reading about your travels. Writing interesting content in your travel log, which inspires your readers to keep coming back for more, drives many travelers to create excellent content.
• Add content as you go every day, even if it is just a quick note to jog your memory later. Add a date to each entry, the location, and any details that are important to you. Aim to set aside a time each day to complete your travel log to avoid getting behind and missing details that would be interesting to you and your readers.
• Inspiring others to travel and visit some of the locations you talk about in your journal can be very motivating. Add addresses, describe what you saw and experienced. Readers with like-minded travel objectives will appreciate this information and build their trip around your information.
• Creativity is the spice of life. Get your creative juices in gear and inspire others through your writing, images, and videos. Edit the images and videos to portray the most attractive and interesting content. In a way, you become the director and producer of creative content that will be appreciated by many.

Best Apps for Creating a Digital Travel Log

There are many digital travel apps available. They are handy and easy to use, and always available since most travelers always carry their smartphones with them to stay in touch and make travel plans. Family and friends appreciate that they can stay updated with your travels and even add comments on social media platforms. The following is a list of some of the best travel apps for smartphones currently available.

• Day One Journal
• Travel Diaries

Day One Journal – is available in a free version format and a premium format. The premium version provides unlimited storage for photos and journal entries, cloud-based storage, recording by audio, and the ability to print your journal in book format. The free version allows entry by hand and observes entries by calendar, timeline, or photos.

Travel Diaries – comes with lots of features such as enhancing text with photos, keeping entries private or public, the ability to convert the diary to a blog, and sharing automatically on social media platforms. It also has a book creation and printing capability from 40 pages up to 320 pages.

Drifter – the app was created by travelers who wanted a social network that supports photos, videos and encourages travel advice and reviews. It is great for solo travelers and folks that like to share experiences. There is still room for improvement, and the developers appreciate feedback and support.

Bonjournal – is available for iPhone users and provides a simple interface to record activities while on your trip. There are privacy settings to control what content is seen by whom. A great app for keeping track of your journey and sharing photos and ideas.

Momento – organizes your social networks connecting to eleven different platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, Swarm, and YouTube. Your information can be kept private, or you can add your travel information publicly for your friends and family to see. Momento can also be used as a work/project journal to keep track of meetings, milestones, and project notes.

Mistakes to Avoid When Keeping a Business Travel Log

1. not including the business purpose.

Error: It is a business travel journal for a reason. Telling us the sequence of events for the entire trip does not make us better understand your travel log without the purpose for the trip. Writing a business travel journal without the business purpose is a common novice mistake that makes you seem inept as the go-to person for a business trip.

Solution: Succinctly outline your business purpose at the beginning of the travel log. Usually, the managerial cadre will review your travel log after a business trip. Keep that in mind and provide them with a guiding light to what your trip entails via a reason. No one wants to read up to page seven of any document unless it promises them an undervalued asset in crypto that will 100x in the next month. After you have established your aim for business travel, you can document.

2. Documenting every Tom, Dick, and Harry you meet

Error: “I met Ryan Reynolds today, and we bonded over our mutual friend Ryan Gosling.” We understand that it isn’t every day you meet the Ryans on a business trip; however, telling us your interaction with them while disregarding their relevance to the business is outright trivial.

Solution: Write down if you meet an exciting person who introduces you to a new business model. However, if you meet Ryan Reynolds and he doesn’t tell you how to maximize your business’s productivity, save that for a personal journal. Only write insightful interactions about people who affect your business trip purpose.

3. Using estimations

Error: Using business trip estimations instead of the actual cost.

Solution: Save all the slips. In the journal, stick all the tickets for all your purchases relevant to the business. Please do not ignore the minor expenses as they accrue over time and cause a significant dent in the company’s travel budget. Include any other proper documentation, such as online transaction records, in the business travel log.

4. Being ‘Fanciful.’

Error: Including too much business jargon that your business travel log readers have a difficult time comprehending.

Solution: Write your travel log in straightforward language and brief sentences. Try to write only business trip details such as a conference by the sea. Don’t write, “The Sea was cerulean while the orator propagated his voice.” However, do not sacrifice your unique writing style in a bid to use modest vocabulary.

5. A business travel journal without a travel itinerary is a scrapbook

Error: Failing to include the travel itinerary makes tracking through your business trip challenging.

Solution: Attach your travel itinerary that is relevant to the business purpose. Try to make the itinerary brief.

The following are some of the frequently asked questions that many travelers have when they are making decisions about using a travel log and sharing the information with friends and family.

A travel log is either a hardcopy travel book/binder or an online system to keep track of interesting experiences about your trip. Include all of your adventures, stories, and memories to help remember everything you experienced and also share with your friends and family.

There are many names used in the industry in addition to the travel log. These include: ᐅ Travel Journal ᐅ Journey Log ᐅ Journey Plan ᐅ Log Book ᐅ Travelers notebook

Purchase a diary, writing tools, and any other materials you may need for your travel adventure. Use your diary or journal to plan your trip. Make notes of the places you want to see, places you want to stay, and how you will travel – by car, bus, train, air. Add other notes as appropriate for your trip. You may decide on using a combination of both written tools and online social media systems. Download the app and become familiar with the app before your trip. Enter all of the same information into the app. During your familiarization of the app, confirm that your smartphone has all of the required features needed to meet your travel log entries.

A travel log is either an online app or a document containing all of the details regarding your trip. A travel log can be used by companies for corporate travel as well as for folks embarking on a vacation. The travel journal can contain whatever you want it to. Most people add some or all of the following depending on their needs: ᐅ Date ᐅ Place ᐅ Memories or stories and adventures ᐅ Places they stayed ᐅ People they met ᐅ Budget and/or cost ᐅ Photos ᐅ And more

What you need for a travel journal depends to some extent on what your objectives are, what you think you would like to remember and whether you are using a social media system/smartphone or a physical journal, or a combination of both. Items that you may need for your travel journal include: ᐅ Durable, lightweight journal. Hardcovers are considered better than soft covers ᐅ Art materials if you plan to add sketches of your travel ᐅ Adhesives to secure photos, postcards, and other mementos to your journal ᐅ Include a straight edge such as a ruler and a small pair of scissors ᐅ Include a map that can be added to your journal ᐅ Choose an app for your smartphone and verify compatibility with the phone and the social media system you use

Many people tend to add photos, maps, postcards, and mementos picked up along the way. Add notes about your experiences and plan to write every day to avoid missing essential memories about your trip.

Some folks will paste a map on the front of their journal for easy reference as they travel. Others add decals commemorating the locations and events they attended. Sketch artists add their portrayal of their trip, especially places they visited that made an impact on them.

One of the activities associated with planning your trip is to choose a travel journal for your trip. Give some thought about what you want to record and who you are writing for. How much time do you have, will you share some or all of the information online, and is it to be kept private or with limited sharing? Once you have determined the audience for your journal, write accordingly and provide information that will be interesting to those readers.

Some consumers use diaries and travel journals interchangeably. However, they are different and are aimed at different purposes. A diary is a structured book used to enter records as they occur or to plan for events in the future. Many people use a diary as a daily planner to stay organized, while others use them to jot down notes and thoughts every day. A journal is unstructured used most often for recording ideas, creative ideas, and jotting down notes on thoughts, travel, and goals. Many people add their structure based on how they intend to use the travel journal and their travel plans.

A traveler’s notebook can be softcover or hardcover, with pockets to keep mementos in and add pages if you need to add more writing space. Some include elastic bands to hold additional smaller notebooks and documents.

Documenting a road trip should be handled like any other trip unless, of course, you are the driver. Take breaks along the way to make notes in your travel log, take a few pictures, and add decals or mementos that you pick up along the way. Spend some time each night after you stop for the day to add notes to your travel log about your experiences and thoughts for the day.

• Deciding why you are keeping a travel log will help you to make choices about materials to purchase and the type of travel journal you wish to purchase.
• Decide who you are writing for, yourself, family, friends, and/or the public. Writing about personal items may dictate that you do not want to share all of your information publicly.
• Will you use a written journal, or online social media system, or both? Your decision will help you decide what materials to purchase and how you will make recordings daily.
• Use your log/journal for planning your trip in advance, and then add notes as you complete your travels.
• Many people find the best approach is to write in their logs each day. Your memories and thoughts are fresh from the day’s events, and you avoid missing key details that you found interesting.
• If you are using a physical travel log, ensure that you have room to add photos and mementos as well as decals from your trip.
• Evaluate a travel log app before you travel and add the app to your phone. Test drive the app and ensure you are comfortable with it before you leave.
• Many people use their smartphones to take photos and videos and then upload them to a social media platform or a dedicated online travel log. Before traveling, test your phone with the app you plan to use and become familiar with the app. You don’t want to waste time while traveling to figure out how to use your phone with the travel log app.

Travel logs are a great way to recall memories about your trip for many years. You and your family members will refer to your travel log/journal many times, especially if you want to compare notes with a friend who traveled with you.

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Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, Information for Completing USCIS Forms

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record , to aliens who are:

• Admitted to the U.S.;
• Adjusting status while in the U.S.; or
• Extending their stay. 

All persons need a Form I-94 except U.S. citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens visiting or in transit. Air and sea travelers will be issued I-94s during the admission process at the port of entry .

A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer attaches Form I-94 to the nonimmigrant visitor’s passport upon entry to the U.S. The visitor must exit the U.S. on or before the departure date stamped on the Form I-94. This is the “Admit Until Date” on the electronic Form I-94. The Form I-94 number also is known as the Departure Number or Admission Record Number.

As of April 30, 2013, most Arrival and/or Departure records are created electronically upon arrival.

Visit CBP’s I-94, Travel Records for U.S. Visitors website to:

• Apply for a new I-94 (land border travelers only) ;
• Get your most recent I-94 ;
• View travel history ; or
• See how much longer you can remain in the U.S. based on the terms of your admission .

If you cannot get your Form I-94 from the CBP website, you may file Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Record , with USCIS.

Related Links

• Applying for Admission into United States
• Arrival/Departure Forms: I-94 and I-94W
• I-94 Fact Sheet (PDF)
• I-94 Expiration Dates (PDF)

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• My Living List
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7 Foolproof Ways to Build Your Travel History

A strong travel history is an important factor when applying for visas. While it is not a mandatory requirement, it can significantly improve your chances of a successful application. If you hold a travel document (passport) that is considered weak (like the Nigerian passport), then a strong travel history can help strengthen it when you apply for visas or travel to your dream destinations .

In this article, I will highlight steps you can take as a new traveller to build your travel history and make your (tourist) visa application process a little less painful. I also have another article detailing some useful tips to help improve your chances for a successful application.

Trip Planning Resources

Book your accommodation : Find accommodation options for any budget on Booking.com

Purchase Travel Insurance : I use SafetyWing for both my travel and visa application needs

Activities : Find fun activities and tours in your destination via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook Travel

Please note that it is ultimately up to the visa officer to determine whether or not your application is successful. These are only tips to help increase your chances of that happening. They cannot guarantee whether or not you get a visa. That being said, let’s jump right in!

What's Covered in this Post

What is Travel History?

Travel history (for visa application purposes) refers to the countries you have visited in the past outside your home country . Several countries request applicants to name places they have been to in the last 5 – 10 years, including the date of entry and exit.

I am not a visa officer, but I believe this information provides an indicator of your track record with previous visas and stays in the countries listed, what countries you are visiting, and to confirm whether or not you are a genuine traveller.

Let me explain better:

Confirming your track record via your travel history

Scenario 1 : Your previous tourist visa to the United States was successful. However, in your application, you had stated that you would be there for a 2-week holiday, but your travel history shows that stayed there for 6 months.

What this could say about you: Technically, you haven’t breached the terms of your visa. After all, the Point of Entry (POE) officer does stamp your passport for a stay of up to 6 months. However, if you do not have a substantial reason for this extension, it could indicate that your reason for the trip was not genuine in the first place.

It might also indicate that you breached your visa conditions by working in the US or that you do not have steady employment if you have claimed that you do. It is rare to find a company that gives that much paid time off to employees. This in turn then speaks about your financial situation and could lead to more scrutiny of your application at best.

Confirming the countries you are travelling to

Did you truthfully state all the places you have been to and how long you have stayed there? Have you recently been to a country with an epidemic or conflict? Do you often visit such countries? What was the purpose of your visit to these places? These are some of the questions that a travel history could help provide answers to.

Confirming the genuineness of your application

Scenario 2 : In the last 3 months, you went from having a new passport with no travel history to visiting 3 visa-free and visa on arrival countries in West and East Africa for tourism. In month 4, you apply for a visa to the UK .

What this could say about you: This could indicate that you visited these countries to build a travel history for the sole purpose of applying for a UK visa.

This one is a bit tricky because one of my tips for building a strong travel history is to visit countries like these. However, I advise that you take the approach of genuinely visiting these places for the experiences and spreading out your travels.

Now that we have talked in detail about what travel history is and what they represent, let’s talk more about how to build a strong one. Here are 7 tips to help you do so:

1. Visit visa-free countries or those that offer evisas or a visa on arrival

A good first step to building a strong travel history is to invest in travel to visa-free countries or those that give you a visa on arrival or an evisa. It is even better when the country places a visa sticker in your passport booklet, but stamps could help too.

Now, you have to be intentional about the places you choose to go. For example, if you live in Nigeria and visit Benin , Togo , or Ghana for a holiday, then immediately apply for a fairly difficult visa thereafter, your visa application may get denied, especially if other parts of your application are not very strong.

What you can do instead is to visit nearby countries, visa-free, countries with evisas and visas on arrival and then apply to a country with a fairly easy application process.

PS : I am not saying that you cannot get a visa to a “big name” country if the only places you have travelled to are neighbouring countries. All I am saying is that application processes tend to get easier if you build your travel history well.

2. Apply to countries with fairly easy visa application processes

“All visa applications are equal, but some applications are more equal than others” – Not George Orwell

Provided you meet all the application requirements and can prove strong home ties, the visa application processes for some countries are fairly easy. Some of these places include South Africa , India , Morocco, a few countries in Europe, etc.

Remember, the more visa approvals you get, the stronger your travel history.

3. Join a group tour

Another way to build a good travel history is to join group tours by reputable companies that have packages that are inclusive of visa processing. I have seen packaged trips from tour companies in Nigeria to South Africa , Morocco , Egypt , Turkey , and Jordan, to name a few.

Take advantage of this but be careful to only go with reputable companies to avoid getting scammed.

4. Save the big names for later

Some countries are dream destinations for many Nigerians, but these countries have the toughest visa application processes. To avoid multiple visa denials from these places, it is important to strengthen your application as much as you can.

This involves having good finances and a steady income, strong home ties, crime-free records and of course, a strong travel history.

It may make more sense to defer your visit to these places until such a time when you check all the boxes for a successful application. Refer to the first 3 tips if in doubt.

5. Make use of your visas

Once you do get a visa from a “big name” country, be sure to use it properly if you have the means to. For example, did you know that a valid US visa can help you get into over 20 more countries as a Nigerian passport holder? Or that a valid Schengen, UK, Irish, Canadian, or Japanese visa can take you to more places as well?

If you’re looking to expand your travel history, this is a great way to do so.

6. Solidify your application and home ties

As I have stated earlier, more visa approvals equal stronger travel history. When you apply for a tourist visa, the visa application officer wants to know four main things:

• Is the purpose of your trip genuine?
• Would you return to your home country once your trip is over?
• Do you have enough funds to cover your trip? Are your finances in order?
• Would you pose a security threat if you are allowed to enter the said country?

It is your job as the applicant to supply all necessary documentation to help the visa officer come to a positive conclusion.

Here are ways to do that:

Prove that your trip is genuine

• Submit your travel itinerary, inclusive of your hotel and return flight reservations
• Submit complete stated requirements for your visa type
• If you are invited for an interview, be sure to communicate precisely and concisely what your travel plans are.
• Present photocopies of other visas that you have received.

Prove that you would return to your home country (home ties)

• Employed? Submit a copy of your employment and promotion letters (on official company paper, with stamp, signature and date)
• Submit an introduction letter from your company detailing your position, salary and the length of your employment, confirming that you have been given time off work and your position will be kept until your return, and state whether this time off is paid or unpaid.
• Also, present a self-introduction letter or a cover letter
• Submit your admission letter or letter from your school department if you are a student
• For retirees: present a copy of the retirement certificate
• Marriage certificates and photos of family are also good to present
• Details of community involvement and activities
• For self-employed applicants: Present your business documents e.g., Permit, Memorandum & Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Registration, certified bank statements
• Details of your properties and businesses in your home country
• Tax certificates, etc.

Prove that you are in good financial standing

• Submit a bank statement showing a healthy inflow, outflow and balance to cover your trip.
• Avoid unexplained lump sum payments into your account when you print your statement. This is a huge red flag and is often the basis for denial. If this is unavoidable, you should provide a letter explaining the source of the funds.
• Submit your pay stubs if you are employed
• If you are self-employed, it is good practice to separate your business account from your personal one and pay yourself a consistent figure monthly.
• If you are retired and you receive a pension, submit a letter to show that
• Lastly, if you have other savings or investment accounts, you should also submit statements showing that.

Prove that you would not pose a security threat

• A few embassies do ask for a police report. So, if you are asked for that, you should submit one showing a crime-free record

7. Keep an eye on your finances

Finally, in building a good travel history, you would need to travel more. For Nigerians, most countries that place a sticker on your passport cost fairly more than say neighbouring countries or those that don’t. This means you might have to make some financial adjustments to be able to afford your trips.

It is always a good idea to live within or even below your means, cut costs where you can and have a separate travel fund. Of course, none of these applies if you’re Richie Rich! 🙂

Anyway, I hope these tips help and wish you success in your quest to strengthen your passports, build a strong travel history and visit your dream destinations!

Have I missed anything? Please share your best tips for building a strong travel history with me and other readers. Also, I would love to hear about your visa application journey.

• What is the easiest visa you have applied for to date?
• What is the cheapest visa you have applied for to date?
• What is the toughest visa you have applied for to date?
• Your funniest/weirdest/most annoying visa application denial (if any)
• The visa application process you’re dreading
• Finally, the one you are most looking forward to.

I’ll go first in the comment section and will love to hear from you too!

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I love to hear from you, leave a comment here cancel reply, 29 comments.

I got a Uk visitor visa refusal due to financial inconsistency. You made mention of having a separate personal account from salary account. I want to ask for POF account, will it be only inflow of money and must i use both accounts? How long should i wait after building a travel history before i reapply for my next UK visa?

Hi Ezinne, sorry about the refusal. Regarding the separation of your salary account and personal account, I think you might have misunderstood me. I was referring to entrepreneurs and individuals who run their own businesses. In this case, your business account should be separate and you should pay yourself a consistent monthly salary. This is a good practice even outside visa applications.

If you are employed, it is likely that your salary account will also be your personal account and this is what you should submit. This account must show a consistent inflow of income from your employer, as well as, a fairly consistent spending pattern. You may also include any other accounts (such as an investment account) to support this. As for the wait time, there’s no specific time period. 6 months is usually the window given but you can apply at anytime when there’s a considerable change in your circumstances.

Myself is Akash Younus from Pakistan studying in Baku, Azerbaijan holding a resident permit. I am 20 years old and enrolled in business administration in Bechalors it’s been 5 months in Azerbaijan and was willing to apply for Poland in management of digital marketing not in q small city. I got rejected! Why?

1:- There are reasonable doubts that you will not leave terrorism after the visa expiry

2:- There are reasonable doubts regarding the reliability of the statement you made about the purpose of your stay in the territory of Poland due to the evidence that is available to the authority or due to the objective circumstances that the purpose of the stay could be different than declared.

Documents attached:-

 Visa application form  Azerbaijan resident card  Picture  Passport (Valid till 2027)  Cover letter  Motivation letter  Invitation the letter from the university  Adletters from the university  Curriculum vitae  Educational documents  Bank statement (Own)  Employment Letter (Sponsor)  Bank statement t of the sponsor  Salary slips of sponsor  Accommodation proof in Poland  TraveInsurancece  Tickets Reservation (Confirmed both sides)

My sponsor is my elder brother he lives in Poland as an accounts manager he pays taxes.

So what should I do? Should I make travel history from Azerbaijan and then apply again next semester in a different Schengen country like Slovakia because I was admittinto Slovakia

Looking forward to seeking your guidance

Hello Akash, I’ve responded to your message on IG but just to reiterate that I am not in the best position to provide guidance regarding visas other than tourist visas. It will be best to seek the opinions of others who have more experience applying for other visa types.

I dont have travel history yet, but my husband has been in UAE for 5 years, we just got married. i applied to US on a P3 visa but got denied. I’m pregnant and wish to give birth in a country that offers citizenship by birth. I’m considering mexico, there is no stamp of refusal on my passport….what can u advise i do pls

Hi Faustina, I don’t know much about the P3 visa but generally, your visa application will be based on your own merit and no one else’s. I also don’t have much knowledge about giving birth in other countries. You can try asking this question on Nairaland – there’s more first-hand information available there.

Hey, quick question. in 2018 I applied for a b2 USA visa and I got rejected quickly. Back than I was a student who has never travel before. in 2019 I got a Schengen visa and I visited Germany for a week and then France for another one. This year I got a Canada visitor visa and i visited for a month in the summer ( i bought the ticket in February when I got the visa ). I’m planning on applying again to the b2 us visa to visit new York and Miami. Do you think I have a good travel history? will it help? will the previous rejection be a problem?

Hello, yes, I think those countries you have visited are great candidates for a strong travel history. It also seems that your circumstances have changed – which is what the visa officer is hoping to see after a previous rejection. Only the visa officer can determine whether your application is successful or not but I think you have a good chance for a successful application this time around – provided you also have strong ties to your home country (e.g. a good job, marriage, kids, etc). Goodluck!

You givee some information about Schengen visa

Look out for upcoming posts.

Hi Ama, I must commend your effort in detailing on general procedures. Even travel agents you pay will still keep you in the dark. Thumbs up! Kindly give me an example of a community involvement supporting document and an advisable minimum balance as good financial standing. Thanks

Hi Bellwether, thanks for your comment. Regarding financial standing, there is no single number I can recommend. Some countries give a number, others don’t. They need to know if you can afford the trip – aka, do you earn enough to do so? Do you have enough money left in your account after your trip? Does your budget vs your income make logical sense? etc…

Community involvement is an optional document and may include certificates or letters of participation/recommendation for activities you volunteer for or participate in within your community.

Hi! So I was in Russia for the world cup(2018), I stayed up till December 1, which I wasn’t supposed to initially as stated in the E.visa for the WC. The reason for that was actually the Russian president after the final match declared that anyone with that type of visa could stay till December 31. Long story short the embassy confirmed it in Moscow that I could stay or decide to go and come back until the said time. Now I’m applying for a study visa in Germany and I don’t know if it’s going to help or make it worse lol and I’m being sponsored in btwn.. thanks

Hello Abidi, there are a few things to consider here. If your stay was legal, then you should not have much to worry about. Although, as I mentioned in the post, staying an extra 6 months, though legal, can still raise some doubts about your travel intentions in the visa officer’s mind.

Having said that, this post focuses mainly on people applying for tourist visas. The process and scrutiny may be a little different for study visas.

Hello,this is fawwad here from India and i am working in Dubai,i am working in dubai on employment visa ,i already travel dubai and qatar. now i planning to move schengen. can you assist??????

Hi Fawwad, sorry, I am not familiar with relocation processes to the EU.

Nice article. Would definitely come in handy soon. Thank you for sharing.

You’re welcome! Thanks for reading and looking forward to reading about your future adventures!

Lovely write up Amarachi…still dont have the travel history..will save this write up for later..its very informing as always

Thanks, Bella! Wish you success in your future applications.

Easiest sticker visa: Morocco. Toughest visa: Overall, I’d say the US. Cheapest visa: Kenya evisa at $51. Weirdest denial: Angola. Visa applications I’m dreading: Indonesia and Thailand. The ones I’m most looking forward to are South Korea and Japan.

Why did Angola deny our star girlll?! Hehe. This is a very solid post.

Haha, don’t mind them! The day I went, everyone who was at the embassy was denied unjustly. They later overturned the decision for my colleagues who had to be in the country urgently but by then, I didn’t need to go anymore.

It could be that they used the denial to generate money for their Embassy/High Commission. You know embassies generate revenue for their ministry of interior.

Probably, but I don’t see the point, specifically for the Angolan embassy in Nigeria. Anyway, I hope they’re doing better now and not denying visas unjustly!

Please do u think lack of previous travel may affect a visa outcome for Australia cuz I just applied

Only the visa officer can determine this. A good travel history simply gives you a bit more advantage, it is not the only factor that immigration officers consider but it is an important one. I wish you good luck.

Please can you tell me how you started the Australia visit visa process. It’s so hard than I thought 🤔

All the process is online, u visit the official homeaffairs website and register immacount where u fill all online form and scan your documents pay the fee n u will be sent a biometrics request letter to go for biometrics at vfs global in lag or Abuja, book appointment with vfs go for it n ur done

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34 free travel itinerary templates (word, excel & pdf).

Free travel itinerary templates:  Your itinerary refers to your journey’s more detailed plan. Usually, highlights some places to be visited and the travel plan. By having itinerary templates, you will benefit from having the travel arrangement in one location for easier referencing and retrieval. 

Your travel plan is usually placed in the front of the folder full of your tickets, brochures, and confirmation receipts – this is also a good source to get information on the road. 

Although the information includes the travel plan for yourself or other people might contain different items, the basic structure was usually still retained. You can use your best itinerary templates.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Using an Itinerary Template

Traveling is an adventure! But planning for it can sometimes be stressful. That’s where a  travel itinerary template  can be your best friend.

• All-In-One Location:  Say Goodbye to Chaos!

Do you have flight details in your email, hotel bookings on an app, and excursion times on a sticky note? Stop the madness! An itinerary template puts all these details in one simple place. Just open it up, and you’ll know what’s happening next.

• Easy to Use:  No Tech Skills Needed!

You don’t have to be a computer genius to use an itinerary template. Most of it comes with clear fields for you to fill in. Just type your flight time here your hotel name there, and you’re done! It’s like filling out a fun quiz.

• Be Organized:  Know What Comes After What

The best part about being organized is knowing what’s next. You see your trip like a story when you put your plans in an itinerary template. First, this happens, then that. You can enjoy the trip more when you know what’s coming up.

• Shareable:  Keep Everyone in the Loop

Traveling with family or friends? Send them the itinerary template! That way, everyone knows the plan. If someone asks, “What time is dinner?” tell them to check the itinerary!

• Free:  More Money for Fun Stuff!

The best things in life are free. Well, most travel itinerary templates are free, too! That means you can save cash for fun stuff like snacks, souvenirs, or an extra special adventure!

• Time-Saving:  Quick Changes Made Easy

Plans change. Maybe it rains, and you can’t go to the beach. With an itinerary template, it’s super easy to swap things around. Just a few clicks, and you have a new plan!

• Keeps You On Track:  No More Missing Out

Need to catch a flight or need to remember a dinner reservation? With an itinerary, you’ll get reminders. It’s like having a helpful friend who says, “Hey, time to go!”

• Peace of Mind:  Worry Less, Enjoy More!

When you’re organized, you feel calmer. That means you can enjoy your trip more and less worrying about it.

Are you ready to try an  itinerary template ? Trust us, it will make your next trip so much easier! ????

Essential Elements in a Travel Itinerary

So you’re convinced that a travel itinerary template is a good idea. Great! But what should you include in it? Don’t fret; here’s a list of the  key things to put in your travel plan .

• Title and Dates: What’s the Trip For?

Start with a striking title that sums up your trip. Are you going on a “Summer Adventure in Hawaii” or a “Weekend Getaway in Paris”? Include the dates so you always know the timeframe.

• Names: Who’s Going?

If you’re traveling with other people, write down everyone’s name. It’s an easy way for everyone to know they’re looking at the right plan.

• Departure and Arrival: Take-Off and Landing

Include details about when and where you’re starting and ending your journey. Include times, places, and how you’re getting there. Plane? Train? Automobile?

• Transport Info: All Aboard!

Note any flight numbers, train cars, or other key details. It’s also smart to list any reservations and helpful phone numbers in case of delays.

• Lodging: Home Away From Home

Where are you staying? Include the name, address, and check-in/check-out times for each place you sleep.

• Activities: The Fun Stuff!

What’s a trip without cool stuff to do? List all the tours, visits, or shows you plan to attend. Add times and places so you remember.

• Meetings: Can’t-Miss Appointments

Are you mixing a little business with pleasure? Include any meetings or important appointments you have. Who, what, where, and when—it all goes here.

• Meals: Yummy in My Tummy

Planning to eat at that must-try café? Put it in the itinerary.

• Free Time: Do What You Want

It’s your trip, after all! Include some blocks of free time for spontaneous fun.

• Emergency Contacts: Just in Case

Include some emergency contacts, like local hospitals or a trusted friend back home.

• Checklist: Remember!

Add a small list at the end for any last-minute things you need to do or bring. Passport? Snacks? It goes here.

That’s your  travel itinerary essentials  covered! With everything in your template, you’re ready for an awesome, stress-free trip! ????

Tips for Crafting a Useful Travel Itinerary

It isn’t just about jotting down names and places. Here are some tips.

Be Realistic: Time Matters!

Always consider how much time each activity will take. Keep your day manageable. You want time to enjoy the places you visit!

Group Activities by Location: Smart Mapping

Put things that are close to each other on the same day. This way, you spend less time moving and more time doing.

Always Have a Plan B: Be Flexible

Sometimes, things go differently than planned. Maybe it rains, or a place is closed. Have a backup plan, so you’re never stuck with nothing to do.

Check Opening Hours: No Unwanted Surprises

Imagine showing up at a museum you’re excited to visit, only to find it’s closed on Tuesdays. Check opening times in advance to avoid this.

Share It: Keep Everyone in the Loop

If you’re traveling with others, ensure everyone has a copy of the itinerary. You could even make a shared online version.

Local Customs and Laws: When in Rome.

Check for any local customs, rules, or laws you should know about, like dress codes at religious sites.

Remember Time Zones: Sync Up!

If you’re crossing time zones, adjust all your times so you’re always on local time.

Add Some Breathing Room: Take It Easy

Don’t schedule something every minute of every day. You’ll need some downtime to relax and soak it all in.

Include All Confirmation Numbers: Quick Access

For flights, hotels, and activities that require booking, include all confirmation numbers for quick and easy access.

Double-Check All Details: Be Sure, Be Safe

Before you finalize your itinerary, double-check all times, dates, and reservations.

Print and Digital: Best of Both Worlds

Have both a printed copy and a digital copy available. Technology can fail, and you might only sometimes have Wi-Fi.

Keep it Handy: Easy Access.

Put your itinerary somewhere easy to get to. Save it on your phone or put it in a pocket in your bag.

Free Travel Itinerary Templates

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 01

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 02

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 03

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 04

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 05

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 13

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 14

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 15

Travel Itinerary Template Word

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 06

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 07

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 08

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 09

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 10

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 11

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 12

Easy to Use

One of the best things about using a Word template is its simplicity. You don’t have to be a computer wizard to figure it out!

Customizable

Word lets you change fonts and colors and even add pictures. Make your template  truly your own .

You can open a Word document on almost any device. It’s super  easy to share  with family or travel buddies, too.

Pre-made Templates

Word offers a variety of  ready-to-use templates . Just plug in your details, and you’re good to go!

Checklist Features

You can add  checkboxes  next to each activity or place. It feels so good to check them off as you go!

Safe and Secure

You can easily  lock the document  to keep your travel plans private.

Great for Printing

Word documents  print beautifully . It is a great option if you like having a paper copy of your plans.

How to Use It

• Open Word and choose a blank document or a pre-made template.
• Fill in your travel details like flights, hotels, and fun stuff to do.
• Add any  extra notes  or  checklists .
• Save it, print it, or share it via email.

Tips for Using Word Templates

• Spell-check : Always run a spell-check to avoid any errors.
• Save Often : Keep up your hard work. Save your doc often!
• Backup : Email a copy to yourself or save it in the cloud.

Using a Word template for your travel itinerary is a smart way to keep all your plans in one place. Give it a try for your next trip!

Free Travel Itinerary Templates Excel

Do you like spreadsheets?  Excel templates  offer even more ways to stay organized. You can sort your plans, filter them, and find what you need fast!

If you’ve been using regular Word documents or even pen and paper for your travel plans, it’s time to  upgrade to Excel ! Here’s why and how:

Easy to Edit: Change On-the-Go

Excel allows you to add or remove items quickly. If your plans change, delete a row or add a new one!

Sort and Filter: Find What You Need

Say you want to see all your flight details at once. Excel lets you sort and filter to find what you’re looking for in a snap.

Color Codes: Make It Pretty and Practical

Blue for sightseeing and red for meals. It makes it easier to understand your day at a glance.

Formulas: Count the Hours

You can use simple Excel formulas to add how much time each day’s activities will take.

Shareable: Easy to Send

Excel files are easily shared by email or cloud services like Google Drive. You can also password-protect it if it has sensitive data.

Collaborative: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Everyone can add their activities or notes in the same Excel sheet if you’re traveling with others. It’s a team itinerary!

Tabs for Days: One File, Many Uses

You can use different tabs for different parts of your trip. One tab for flights, another for hotels, and so on.

Links and Notes: Extra Info

You can add links to websites or notes with additional information in Excel.

Offline Access: Always Available

Once downloaded, Excel files are available even without internet access, making them reliable and handy.

Templates Galore: Start with a Bang

It is lots of pre-made Excel itinerary templates available online. It can give you a head start and create planning even quicker.

Itinerary Templates Excel

Itinerary Templates Free

travel itinerary template

Vacation itinerary template

Disney Itinerary Templates

Free business travel itinerary template excel

Weekly Itinerary Template

Birthday Itinerary Template

Daily itinerary planner

Program Itinerary Template

Meeting Itinerary Template

Travel Itinerary Template PDF

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 16

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 17

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 18

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 19

Free Travel Itinerary Templates 20

Itinerary Template – Free Travel Itinerary Templates

Business Tour – Free Travel Itinerary Templates

Business Travel Diary- Free Travel Itinerary Templates

Stable and Consistent

One of the biggest perks of using a PDF is that it looks the  same  on every device. No surprises!

Easy to Share

PDF files are  super easy to send  in an email or message. They can be opened on almost any gadget.

No Accidental Changes

Once you save it, it stays that way. You can’t accidentally mess up your plans!

Universal Acceptance

Almost all businesses can open and read PDFs. Most people can easily check your plans if you need to show them.

Password Protection

PDFs can be  locked  with a password. Your plans stay  safe and private .

Fantastic for Printing

If you like paper copies, PDFs print out  just how they look on screen .

• Make your plans in any software that can be saved as a PDF.
• Double-check all your details and  spelling .
• Save or ‘print’ your plans as a PDF file.
• Share or print your  snazzy  new PDF itinerary!

Tips for Using PDF Templates

• Read-Only : Remember, most PDFs can’t be easily changed. Make sure all your info is correct before you save it.
• Compatibility : Always ensure the people you share the PDF with can open it.
• Document Size : PDFs with lots of pictures can get big. Keep an eye on the file size if you need to email it.

A PDF travel itinerary template is  rock-solid  for keeping your travel plans organized and easily accessible. It’s a popular option, especially if you want a file that stays how you made it.

Common Mistakes in Using Travel Itinerary Templates

Skipping the Details : One of the most common errors is  filling in all the blanks . It can lead to confusion during your trip.

Ignoring Time Zones : Many must remember to account for time zone changes. It can mess up your plans.

Overstuffing the Itinerary : It’s tempting to pack your day full of activities. But this leaves  no room for rest or unexpected events .

Forgetting to Share : If you’re traveling with others,  forgetting to share  the itinerary can make things hard for everyone.

Not Checking Operation Hours : Imagine going to a museum only to find it’s closed. Always  check the working hours  of places you want to visit.

Skipping Backup Plans : Weather changes. Plans fall through. Having  no Plan B  can ruin your day.

Bad Formatting : If your itinerary is hard to read, it’s almost useless. Make sure you use  clear and easy-to-read formats .

Not Updating : Sometimes plans change.  Only updating your template  can make sure you get all the things.

Ignoring Local Customs and Laws : Failing to account for local customs or laws can be embarrassing and sometimes problematic. Always do your  basic homework .

Not Double-Checking : A small mistake in flight numbers or hotel booking IDs can be a big hassle. Always  double-check your details .

Avoiding these common mistakes can make your itinerary a powerful tool for a smooth and enjoyable trip!

Traveling is more fun when you’re organized. Using a  travel itinerary template  can help a lot! So why wait? Download a free template today!

Additional Resources

Want to know more? Click the links below for free templates and helpful travel apps.

• Free Itinerary Templates
• Best Travel Apps

Happy traveling! ????

What Is a Travel Itinerary Template?

A travel itinerary template is like a  map for your trip . It shows where you need to go, what you’ll do, and when you’ll do it.

Where Can I Find Free Travel Itinerary Templates?

You can find free templates online, in apps, Excel, or Word. Some travel websites also offer them for  free .

Should My Template Be Detailed or Broad?

That depends on you! Some folks like a  minute-by-minute plan , while others want just the  big events  listed. Choose what works for you.

Can I Use the Same Template for Different Trips?

Yes, you can! Just  change the details  to fit your new trip.

What Should I Include in My Template?

Include key info like  flights, hotels, and activities . Remember  small but important details  like transport from the airport to the hotel.

Do I Need to Print My Itinerary?

Only sometimes. You could keep it on your phone. But a printed copy is good, just in case your phone  runs out of juice .

How Many Copies Should I Make?

It’s a good idea to have  more than one copy . Leave one with a friend or family member back home, keep one with you, and maybe have a  digital copy .

Can I Add Last-Minute Changes?

Yes, you can. Just  update all your copies  so you’re not working off old info.

What Do I Do If My Plans Change Mid-Trip?

No problem! Just  update your template . You can do it with a printed copy or update the digital one on your device.

Is It OK to Leave Free Time in My Plan?

Absolutely! It’s your trip, after all. Free time lets you  explore  or  rest  as you feel like it.

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• For International Visitors

Arrival/Departure Forms: I-94 and I-94W

Foreign visitors to the U.S. no longer need to complete paper Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record or Form I-94W Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Record . Those who need to prove their legal-visitor status—to employers, schools/universities or government agencies—can access their CBP arrival/departure record information online. CBP now gathers travelers’ arrival/departure information automatically from their electronic travel records.

Now at the land border, travelers will be issued I-94s electronically and will no longer receive a paper I-94 stub. CBP encourages travelers requiring an I-94 to use the CBP One™ mobile app or the CBP I-94 website to apply for their I-94. For Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers, an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is now required for entry and must be obtained prior to arriving at the U.S. land border. VWP travelers are encouraged to use the I-94 website or CBP One™ mobile app to apply for an I-94 in advance.

If a traveler would like a paper Form I-94, the traveler can print their own I-94 Form from the I-94 website using "Get Most Recent I-94" or by using the same option on the CBP One™ mobile application. A paper form can be requested during the inspection process but all such requests will be accommodated in a secondary setting.

If travelers need the information from their Form I-94 admission record to verify immigration status or employment authorization, they are encouraged to get their I-94 Number from the I-94 website or by using the CBP One™ mobile app. Upon exiting the U.S., travelers issued a paper Form I-94 should surrender it to the commercial carrier, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), or to CBP upon departure. If you received an electronic I-94 upon arrival by air or sea or land and depart via land, your departure may not be recorded accurately. A departure will be recorded if you depart via land and re-enter the United States prior to the expiration date stamped in your passport. If you are not a resident of Canada or Mexico and you receive an electronic I-94 and depart via land but do not re-enter the United States prior to the expiration date stamped on your passport, you may want to travel with evidence of your departure into Canada or Mexico. Evidence of departure can include, but is not limited to, entry stamps in a passport, transportation tickets, pay stubs and/or other receipts. A traveler can request an entry stamp from CBSA when entering Canada or from the Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM) when entering Mexico.

Otherwise, when leaving via air or sea, CBP will record the departure electronically via manifest information provided by the carrier or by CBP.

This automation streamlines the entry process for travelers, facilitates security and reduces federal costs. CBP estimates that the automated process will save the agency $15.5 million a year.

For more information and for answers to frequently asked questions, see the I-94 Fact Sheet .

The CBP INFO Center offers questions and answers for I-94 .

Beginning in May 2019, I-94 numbers will be alphanumeric. Currently, I-94 numbers are 11 digits long and only contain numbers. In order to minimize program impact resulting from the depletion of numeric-only I-94 numbers and to create a long-term solution for the creation of new numbers, CBP is switching to alphanumeric I-94s. I-94 numbers will remain at 11 characters but will follow the format of 9 digits, followed by a letter in the 10th position, and a digit in the 11th position. Unexpired I-94s issued in the current numeric-only format will continue to be valid until the Admit Until Date printed on the paper I-94 and/or the date displayed on the I-94 website .

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Form I-94 arrival-departure record for U.S. visitors

Forms I-94 and I-94W (for nonimmigrants with a visa waiver) record the arrival and departure dates of people visiting the U.S.

Who needs an I-94 form

Everyone entering the U.S. needs an I-94 or I-94W form except:

• American citizens
• Returning resident aliens
• Non-U.S. citizens with immigrant visas
• Most Canadian citizens who are visiting or in transit

How to apply for or see your current Form I-94

Download the CBP One app on your cell phone or tablet or visit the official Form I-94 website to:

• See your most recent I-94 form and print it, in case you need your record of legal admission to the U.S. The CBP One app also allows you to have a digital version of your I-94 on your phone
• Request an I-94 if you are traveling by land. You can apply for an I-94 and pay the $6 fee in advance, to save time at the land port of entry. (If you are traveling by air or sea, you will receive an I-94 at your port of entry during the admission process.)
• Get a history of your arrivals and departures from the U.S. for the last 10 years
• Find out how long you are legally allowed to stay in the US
• Read frequently asked questions about the I-94

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sends visitors email reminders about their remaining time in the U.S. In addition, it sends notifications to travelers who may have exceeded their admission period.

I-94W for travelers traveling under the Visa Waiver Program

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries must have an approved and current authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to apply for their I-94W in advance through the CBP One app or the Form I-94 web page.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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IMMIGRATION LAW BLOG

Stay up-to-date on the latest immigration law news, with the Cohen & Tucker team's insights behind the headlines

Travel History: Your Complete Guide To Form I-94

Why is an i-94 important.

The new I-94 form is important for people who need an accurate record of when they enter and leave the United States by air or sea. Immigration agencies may use your I-94 information to make a determination about your standing in the United States and your eligibility for certain types of visas. Here’s what you need to know about your I-94, travel history, and how to check your information. 

What Is Form I-94?

Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is issued by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to keep track of non-citizens’ arrivals and departures. The purpose of Form I-94 is to keep a record of documented entry and ensure timely departure. It helps immigration authorities maintain a record of potential immigrants’ and non-immigrants’ compliance with visa laws and the verification of immigration status.

Form I-94 acts as a supporting document for most immigrant and non-immigrant visa purposes. It shows that you have a history of abiding by the law with arrival and departure dates from United States ports of entry. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding Form I-94.

Who Needs Form I-94?

People who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (i.e. green card holders) will be issued Form I-94 (or an equivalent) automatically upon entering the country. Form I-94 is an important tool that immigration institutions use to track data and ensure all travel in and out of the United States is documented. Automation makes the process quick, easy, and efficient for everyone involved.

Every non-immigrant who travels to the United States will automatically receive Form I-94. The Form I-94 provides information about entry as well as the date you must depart the United States by. The Form I-94 is often used when U.S. immigration officials make decisions on applications to change, extend, or adjust status and is used as supporting evidence to prove good standing and immigration compliance. 

You will need to present your I-94 information while you’re going through the process of obtaining a green card. If you eventually decide to obtain U.S. citizenship , you won’t need travel documents anymore. You’re free to come and go as you please in accordance with the travel and visa laws of your destination countries. You only need to present your valid U.S. driver’s license or passport as proof of citizenship and travel eligibility. 

How Do You Get an I-94 Travel Record?

There are two ways to start or update an I-94 travel record. The process will be automatic for most visitors. Many people don’t even realize that United States immigration services have created and maintained the form on their behalf. If you arrive at the United States border by land transportation, the process is slightly different.

Paper I-94 Documents

Paper I-94 cards are only issued to non-citizens who arrive in the United States by land. This is most common for foreign visitors from Mexico or Canada.

If you enter the United States through a land border port of entry at the Mexican or Canadian border, you’ll be issued an I-94 card that will be attached to your passport. Border officers will give you an admission stamp on your passport. When you leave the country, you’ll show the border officer your passport with the card attached. They will manually verify your departure with your paper form.

Electronic I-94 Documents

Most people enter the United States by air. Comparatively, few non-citizens cross into the United States at a physical point of entry at the Canadian or Mexican border. If you’re arriving by plane, I-94 issuance is automatic. The United States takes care of it for you, and you’ll get a physical stamp on your passport to serve as proof that you entered the country with documentation. 

If you ever need to access your electronic I-94 travel record, you can view it through U.S. CBP online . Their online system will allow you to view your travel history and print a physical copy of your most recent I-94 if you need to present them at a meeting with immigration officials or bring them with you to a port of entry. Immigration officials will also have access to your electronic travel record.

You can also view your travel history through U.S. CBP online . This can be helpful if you are completing a petition or application that requires information about prior trips to the U.S. CBP’s website provides information about entries and departures including the date and location. 

How Much Does Form I-94 Cost?

Most forms and petitions filed with U.S. immigration institutions require some kind of filing fee. Form I-94 does not. It’s created for free automatically when you travel to the United States. The form is part of immigration’s normal bookkeeping process, and it’s a document they use for their own reference. You generally shouldn’t have to pay for an I-94 card or electronic form.

The only exception to the free cost is when you apply for a provisional I-94 online. A provisional I-94 costs $6 USD. A provisional I-94 can reduce your wait time at a U.S. land border inspection site. Wait times at the border can be lengthy, and anything you can do to simplify the process may help you get through quicker. If you already have an I-94 when you arrive, you don’t need to wait for one to be created for you.

What Is an I-94 Number?

When you’re communicating with immigration agencies, they’ll ask you for a lot of numbers. Cases are assigned numbers, and immigrants are assigned alien registration numbers. If someone asks you for your I-94 number, it’s a little more complicated to find what you need.

Each I-94 number will be a combination of 11 numbers and letters. You don’t have a single I-94 number. You’re given a number for every arrival in the United States. If you need to prove I-94 numbers for official documents or requests, you’ll likely need to provide each individual number for your arrivals. 

What Happens If You Arrive and Depart in Different Ways?

Electronic I-94 records are for arrivals by air, and paper I-94 records are for arrivals by land. So, what happens if you arrive by plane and leave by land, or vice versa? If you arrived by air and are leaving by land, you need to find a different way to prove that you left the country before your “admit until date.” 

The easiest way to obtain alternative proof of your departure is to ask Canadian or Mexican border authorities for a passport stamp when you arrive. This passport stamp serves as proof that you left the country on time by demonstrating that you were in a different country before the expiration of your visa. 

What Happens If You Lose Your I-94 Information?

If your I-94 is electronic, you can’t lose it. Border officers will create a digital version of your paper I-94 card for their records and store a copy of the information on your behalf.

Immigration agencies will always have your official I-94 record, even if you don’t have access to it. You can view your information by going to the CBP website  and providing information about yourself and passport. You shouldn’t need to have a printed physical copy of your electronic information unless an employer or an agency has specifically asked you to provide one.

For older and paper I-94s, you can request a replacement by filing Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document with USCIS. 

What Happens If Your I-94 Travel History Contains Errors?

If you find an error on your I-94 travel history, such as an incorrect arrival or departure date, you need to contact CBP to have the error fixed. Documentation like passport stamps or proof that you boarded a flight can be used to verify or correct your arrival/departure record. CBP won’t charge you a fee to correct your I-94 record if they’re responsible for the error. 

What Happens If Your Arrival or Departure Isn’t Listed on Your Form?

USCIS, CBP, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) require every visitor to the United States to enter the country with proper documentation. If you don’t have listed arrival or departure dates for your visits to the United States, you may have trouble re-entering the United States or changing your immigration status. 

You can be removed from the United States and banned from re-entering for a period of several years. Future attempts to obtain a visa may be significantly more difficult. You’ll need the help of an experienced immigration attorney if you’d like to return to the United States after an undocumented arrival. 

Do You Need Help With Your Travel History or Immigration Forms?

If you intend to come to the United States as a visitor or an immigrant, it’s important to have a valid I-94 travel record. If there are issues with your travel record or if you arrived in the United States without passing through an official port of entry, you’ll encounter obstacles returning to the United States or changing your immigration status. 

The thorough immigration legal team at Cohen, Tucker + Ades can help. Contact us for a consultation on your case. We’ll be able to advise you of the best path forward for your situation.

Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, Information for Completing USCIS Forms | USCIS

CBP One™ Allows Travelers (Air) to request Advance Travel Authorization | USCIS

How do I get information about requirements for traveling abroad? | USCIS

Border Wait Times | US Customs and Border Protection (CBP.gov)

I-94 | US Customs and Border Protection (CBP.gov)

Not sure which option is right for you? Request a confidential consultation today.

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Travel History Form

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Travel History

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Generate Travel History

This is a sample and proforma of Travel History document, this form can be used to generate Travel History document in PDF format, be sure to edit and replace the sample content with your own and correct details before using it. This free sample travel history service is for people who don’t know how to make travel history document. My only concern is to help people and I am not responsible for any loss or visa rejection. You can edit, generate and use travel history document at your own risk. Don’t forget to sign it.

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13 comments.

Can I read travel history too?

bro i have prepared travel history letter here and have subscribed your youtube channel

Assalam o alaikum brother. I have generated cover letter and travel plan from your given format. I need your little help can you please guide me further. kindly send your whatsapp number so i can send you my travel plan i need little ammendment which i have to ask from you. kindly help in this regard i will be really thankful to you thanks. also please tell me should I make travel plan and cover letter seperately for two persons? i m planing to travel to europe with my family. pelase guide should i generate two seperate letters or should i input our both passport details in one letter?

W Salam, if you are traveling with your family then only one travel plan is required. Covering letter you can make on two pages and travel plan on one page.

You r Doing great JOB. Shabash. Great Man

Very nice brother.

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Travel Information Form

A travel information form is used by travel agents to gather the information they need in order to book travel and accommodation for their clients. With this free online Travel Form template, you can seamlessly receive travel information from your clients directly through a custom online form, eliminating the need for back-and-forth emails or phone calls and speeding up your booking process. Just update the template with the questions you’d like to ask, add your logo and update the color scheme to match your branding, and embed the form in your website or share it with clients directly. Responses are stored in your secure Jotform account, easy for you and your team to access on any device.

Make this Travel Form your own with our drag-and-drop Form Builder! Change fonts and colors, include your unique company logo, add extra questions, include file upload fields to collect additional documents, and even connect with 100+ free form integrations to automatically sync form submissions to other accounts you’re already using — such as Google Sheets, Dropbox, Box, Trello, Asana, Google Sheets, and more. No matter what sort of travel services you offer, you can use this free Travel Form template to collect the information you need, and more easily arrange a stellar travel experience for your clients.

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Flight Reservation Form

A flight reservation form is used by an airline or travel agency to gather information needed to book air travel for clients. Ready to see your booking rates soar? Streamline the flight booking process for passengers and take your business to new heights by collecting the information you need in a single, secure online Flight Reservation Form. Form responses are stored in your Jotform account, creating an easy-to-access database of passenger information — and if you’d like to boost functionality and send form responses to your other accounts, just link your form to a few of our 130+ app integrations. Give your Flight Reservation Form a unique look with Jotform Form Builder! Add your company logo, change fonts and colors to match your branding, or include any terms and conditions your customers may need to know. If you charge a fee for your service, accept payments through your online form via trusted payment gateways like Square or PayPal. Get ready for your bookings to take off — by bringing your reservation process online with our free Flight Reservation Form, you’ll save time, reduce unnecessary back-and-forth calls and emails, and smooth out the process for your customers.

Vacation Itinerary Form

This Vacation Itinerary form is normally utilized by travel agencies or person who just wants to travel and would like to have a detailed itinerary form. This vacation itinerary form will be a great help for those who are planning for a trip or travel agencies looking for a standard template they can use when organizing a trip for their clients. The form will need information such as destination, duration of stay, arrival time, mode of transport and cost.

Guest Registration Form

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

How to Fill DS-160 Form for US Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide (with screenshots)

Updated: September 21, 2023

The first step in the US visa application process is to fill DS-160 form online. It’s a lengthy form with several pages and sections, so it can take you a few days to complete.

Before you start the application, go through my comprehensive guide on DS-160 form to understand the technical requirements and the documents needed for filling out the application.

Then, follow along this step-by-step guide to complete your DS-160 form. There are screenshots and instructions to guide you. For each question, there is a comment explaining what exactly needs to be entered.

IMPORTANT The result of your US visa for the most part depends on the information you fill in your DS-160. Pay careful attention to the information you enter in your DS-160. It must be accurate, and honest and must match with what you say during the visa interview. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT lie in your DS-160. This can lead to visa denial, visa ban, or permanent blacklist.

Table of Contents

Steps to fill ds-160 form, 01. getting started.

To start your DS-160 form, head over to the US Department of State’s Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) page.

• Select a location where you will be applying for this visa [ Instruction: Select the country where you intend to attend your US visa interview]
• Enter the code as shown [ Instruction : Enter the code shown in the captcha in this field. This is to make sure you are a real human and not a bot]
• This visa application will ask you to upload a digital photo of yourself [ Instruction : If you already have a digital photo for your visa application, click on “Test Photo” to check if your photo meets the specifications. If you don’t have a photo and want to know the photo requirements, click on “Photo Standard Guide”]

NOTE The question “This visa application will ask you to upload a digital photo of yourself” is shown only for certain countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, etc. If you choose a country such as India, Mexico, etc., this question will not be shown.

After you have entered the above data, you will see 2 buttons –

• START AN APPLICATION [ Instruction : Click this button if you are starting a new application]
• RETRIEVE AN APPLICATION [ Instruction : Click this button if you are retrieving a previously saved application]

Let’s look into these options in detail.

START AN APPLICATION

Click the “START AN APPLICATION” button when you are starting a new DS-160 application. This will create an Application ID, which you must print or make a note of. You will need the Application ID to retrieve your saved DS-160 application.

RETRIEVE AN APPLICATION

Your session times out if you leave your DS-160 form open for too long. If that happens, you can come back to your saved application (saved till the last section) using this option.

You might also need time to gather the information needed to fill DS-160 form. In that case, you can save and come back to your saved application using this option. You would need your DS-160 Application ID to retrieve the saved application.

After you enter the above data and click on “START AN APPLICATION”, you will see the “Application Information” Screen. Your “Application ID” will be displayed here. Print this page. Or take a screenshot or make a note of the DS-160 Application ID. You will need your Application ID to retrieve your saved DS-160 application.

• I AGREE [ Instruction: Check the “I AGREE” box for Computer Fraud and Abuse Act]
• Security Question [ Instruction : Select a security question from the list]
• Answer [ Instruction : Enter the answer for your security question]

IMPORTANT Make a note of your “Application ID”, “Security Question” and “Answer”. The “Security Question and Answer” along with the “Application ID”, “Surname” and “Birth Year” are REQUIRED to retrieve your saved DS-160 visa application. If you forget any of this information, you will not be able to retrieve your saved application. You will have to start over again with a new DS-160 application.

NOTE You will have 30 days to complete a partially saved DS-160 application. These 30 days are calculated from the last time you edited your application. If you do not complete and submit your DS-160 form within 30 days, your application will be deleted and you will have to start over again.

02. Personal

Subsection: personal 1.

• Surnames [ Instruction : Enter your surname from your passport. If you have any accents or special characters in your surname name, enter WITHOUT accents or special characters]
• Given Names [ Instruction : Enter your given name from your passport. If you have any accents or special characters in your given names, enter WITHOUT accents or special characters ]
• Full Name in Native Alphabet [ Instruction : Enter ONLY IF you have accents or non-Latin characters in your name or know how to write your name in your native language. Otherwise, simply check “Does Not Apply/Technology Not Available”. For detailed instructions, check out this article on how to fill Full Name in Native Alphabet ]
• Have you ever used other names (i.e, maiden, religious, professional, alias, etc.)? [ Instruction : Select “Yes” if you have a maiden name, otherwise select “No”]
• Do you have a telecode that represents your name? [ Instruction : Select “Yes” only if you have a Chinese name, otherwise just select “No”. For detailed instructions, read this article on how to fill Telecode name in DS-160 ]
• Sex [ Instruction : Select “Male” or “Female”]
• [Dropdown Options]
• COMMON LAW MARRIAGE
• CIVIL UNION/DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP
• LEGALLY SEPARATED
• Date [ Instruction : Enter your date of birth]
• City [ Instruction : Enter the city where you were born]
• State/Province [ Instruction : Enter the state/province where you were born]
• Country/Region [ Instruction : Enter the country where you were born]

If you have accents or special characters in your name

The “Surnames” and “Given Names” fields DO NOT ALLOW accents or special characters. You must enter your name WITHOUT accents or special characters in the “Surnames” and “Given Names” fields. Use the “Full Name in Native Alphabet” field to enter your full name with accents and special characters.

If you have a middle name on your passport

If you have a middle name in your passport (ex: Philippines passport), you must add your middle name to your given name(s) and enter it in your DS-160 “Given Name”.

Example below.

In your current passport Surname: XXXX Given Names: YYYY ZZZZ Middle Name: AAAA

This is how you will fill in your DS-160 Surname: XXXX Given Names: YYYY ZZZZ AAAA

If your surname in the passport is “blank”

If your surname in the passport is “blank”, use the following format in your DS-160 form.

In your current passport Surname: Given Name: XXXX YYYY

This is how you will fill in your DS-160 Surname: XXXX YYYY Given Name: FNU

Your US visa will be issued with the following name Surname: XXXX YYYY Given Name: FNU

NOTE:  FNU means First Name Unknown.

IMPORTANT:  You must get your passport fixed as soon as you can. It can create all kinds of issues, not only for visa applications but also at the airports. If you move to a foreign country to study or work, you won’t be able to open a bank account, apply for a driving license, etc.

What if your surname or given name is too long

You may be able to enter your Surname and Given Name completely in DS-160 form. But in the US visa, the Surname and Given Name fields have a certain character limit and will be truncated if over the character limit.

Even though your name is truncated in your US visa, it will not pose any problems with US immigration. US border officials are all aware of this and will not ask you any questions. You may be asked by the airline staff if they are not familiar with US visa name character limit.

In your current passport Surname: XXXX Given Name: AAAABBBB CCCCDDDD YYYYZZZZ

This is how you will fill in your DS-160 Surname: XXXX Given Name: AAAABBBB CCCCDDDD YYYYZZZZ

Your US visa will be issued with the following name Surname: XXXX Given Name: AAAABBBB CCCCDDDD YYYY

Subsection: Personal 2

• Country/Region of Origin (Nationality) [ Instruction : Select your country of nationality ]
• Do you hold or have you held any nationality other than the one indicated above on nationality? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” if you have acquired a nationality other than your birth nationality]
• Are you a permanent resident of a country/region other than your country/region of origin (nationality) indicated above? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” if you have acquired permanent residence in a country other than your country of birth]
• National Identification Number [ Instruction : Enter your National Identification Number from your country. If you don’t know, check “Does Not Apply” | ]
• U.S. Social Security Number [ Instruction : Check “Does Not Apply”. Enter your US SSN if you have lived in the US before]
• U.S.Taxpayer ID Number [ Instruction : Check “Does Not Apply”. Enter your US TIN Number if you had/have one]

• FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL (A)
• TEMP. BUSINESS PLEASURE VISITOR (B)
• ALIEN IN TRANSIT (C)
• CNMI WORKER OR INVESTOR (CW/E2C)
• CREWMEMBER (D)
• TREATY TRADER OR INVESTOR (E)
• ACADEMIC OR LANGUAGE STUDENT (F)
• INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION REP./EMP. (G)
• TEMPORARY WORKER (H)
• FOREIGN MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE (I)
• EXCHANGE VISITOR (J)
• FIANCÉ(E) OR SPOUCE OF U.S. CITIZEN (K)
• INTRACOMPANY TRANSFEREE (L)
• VOCATIONAL/NON-ACADEMIC STUDENT (M)
• NATO STAFF (NATO)
• ALIEN WITH EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY (O)
• INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ALIEN (P)
• CULTURAL EXCHANGE VISITOR (Q)
• RELIGIOUS WORKER (R)
• INFORMANT OR WITNESS (S)
• VICTIM OF TRAFFICKING (T)
• NAFTA PROFESSIONAL (TD/TN)
• VICTIM OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY (U)
• PAROLE BENEFICIARY (PARCIS)
• Specify [ Instruction : Select “BUSINESS & TOURISM (TEMPORARY VISITOR) (B1/B2)”. If you have selected a different visa class, then select the appropriate option here]
• Intended Date of Arrival [ Instruction : Select the approximate date on which you intend to arrive in the US]
• Intended Length of Stay in the U.S. [ Instruction : Select the number of days you intend to spend in the US on this trip]
• Street Address (Line 1)
• Street Address (Line 2) *Optional
• Zip Code (if known)
• OTHER PERSON
• PRESENT EMPLOYER
• EMPLOYER IN THE U.S.
• OTHER COMPANY/ORGANIZATION

PRO TIP For “TEMP. BUSINESS PLEASURE VISITOR (B)”, you will have 3 options to choose from: B1 (Business), B2 (Tourism), and B1/B2 (Business and Tourism). I recommend selecting “B1/B2” even though your purpose might be strictly business or tourism. A US visa is issued for 10 years and you never know when you will need to visit the US for business or when for tourism. “B1/B2” will work for both purposes and will spare you from unnecessary questions at the port of entry.

NOTE Even if you have selected “B1” or “B2” as your choice, the US consulate might still issue “B1/B2”. In very rare cases, they issue a “B1” or a “B2”.

What if you plan to stay in a hotel when you travel to the US, instead of a friend/family/relative?

If you are planning to stay in a hotel, book a refundable or pay-at-check-in hotel . Use that address for the question “Address Where You Will Stay in the U.S.”. Cancel the booking after you receive your visa.

What if you have already booked your flight tickets for your US trip?

If you have already booked your flight and hotel, then you must select “Yes” to the question “Have you made specific travel plans”. You will see some specific questions for your trip. Enter the following information.

• Date of Arrival in the U.S. [ Instruction: Select your exact date of arrival in the US]
• Arrival Flight (if known) [ Instruction: Enter your arrival flight number. Leave it blank if you don’t know ]
• Arrival City [ Instruction: Enter the first city where you will arrive]
• Date of Departure from U.S. [ Instruction: Enter your exact date of departure from the US]
• Departure Flight (if known) [ Instruction: Enter your departure flight number. Leave it blank if you don’t know]
• Departure City [ Instruction: Enter the city where you will depart the US from]
• Provide the locations you plan to visit in the U.S. [ Instruction: Enter the list of cities or places you plan to visit as part of your US trip. If you have more than one city, use the “Add Another” button to add more]

06. Travel Companions

Persons traveling with you

• Are there other persons traveling with you? [ Instruction : Select “No” if you will be traveling by yourself. Select “Yes” if you will be traveling with family/friends and provide details]
• Are you traveling as part of a group or organization? [ Instruction : Select “No” if you will be traveling with family/friends. Select “Yes” only if you will be traveling with a group on an organized group tour]
• Surnames of Person Traveling With You [ Instruction : Enter the surname of the person (family member/relative/friend/etc.) traveling with you]
• Given Names of Person Traveling With You [ Instruction : Enter the given names of the person (family member/relative/friend/etc.) traveling with you]
• OTHER RELATIVE
• BUSINESS ASSOCIATE
• Add Another [ Instruction : Use this option if you have more than one person (family member/relative/friend/etc.) traveling with you]

07. Previous U.S. Travel

• Have you ever been in the U.S.? [ Instruction : Select “No” if you have NEVER been in the US. Select “Yes” if you have traveled to the US before and enter the below details]
• Date Arrived [ Instruction : Enter your previous date of arrival in the US]
• Length of Stay [ Instruction : Enter the number of days or months of your previous stay in the US]
• Add Another [ Instruction : Use this option if you have been in the US multiple times. You can enter up to 5 previous visits to the US]
• Do you or did you ever hold a U.S. Driver’s License? [ Instruction : Select “No” if you have not lived in the US before. If you have a US driver’s license, select “Yes” and enter your existing/expired US driver’s license details below]
• Driver’s License Number [ Instruction : Enter your US driver’s license number. If you don’t remember, just check “Do Not Know”]
• State of Driver’s License [ Instruction : Select the “State” that issued your driver’s license]
• Add Another [ Instruction : Use this option if you had/have more than one US driver’s license]
• Have you ever been issued a U.S. Visa? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” if you have been issued a U.S. visa before and enter your old visa details]
• Date Last Visa was Issued [ Instruction : Enter the date of issue of your previous US visa]
• Visa Number [ Instruction : Enter the visa number (printed in RED on your visa sticker) of your previous US visa]
• Are you applying for the same type of visa? [ Instruction : Select “Yes” if applying for the same visa type, ex: B1/B2. Otherwise, select “No”]
• Are you applying in the same country or location where the visa above was issued, and is this country or location your place of principal of residence? [ Instruction : Select “Yes” if applying in the same location as your previous US visa and is also your current country of residence. Otherwise, select “No”]
• Have you been ten-printed? [ Instruction : Select “Yes” if your fingerprints were captured (all 10 fingers) during the interview of your previous US visa. Otherwise, select “No”]
• Has your U.S. Visa ever been lost or stolen? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” only if any of your old US visas were lost or stolen]
• Has your U.S. Visa ever been cancelled or revoked? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” only if any of your old US visas were cancelled or revoked]
• (If answered “Yes” to the above question) Explain [ Instruction : Provide the details of your visa refusal or denial of entry]
• (If answered “Yes” to the above question) Explain [ Instruction : Provide the details of your old/existing I-140 such as the priority date and receipt number]

NOTE If you have been in the US before but do not remember the exact dates, you can look up your previous US travel history on the US Customs and Border Protection website. For calculating “Length of Stay”, you can use the Date and Time’s Days Calculator .

03. Address and Phone

Home Address

• Street Address (Line 1) [ Instruction : Enter your home address in the following fields]
• State/Province
• Postal Zone/Zip Code
• Country/Region

Mailing Address

• Is your Mailing Address the same as your Home Address? [ Instruction : Select “Yes” if your home and mailing addresses are the same. Otherwise, select “No” and enter your mailing address]
• Primary Phone Number [ Instruction : Enter your cell phone number where the consulate can reach you if needed]
• Secondary Phone Number [ Instruction : Enter your home phone number where the consulate can call you if your cell phone is not reachable. If you don’t have one, just check “Does Not Apply”]
• Work Phone Number [ Instruction : Enter your work phone number where the consulate can call you if your cell/home phones are not reachable. If you don’t have one, just check “Does Not Apply”]
• (If you have answered “Yes” to the above question) Additional Phone Number [ Instruction: Enter the additional phone number that you have used in the last five years. If you have more than one, click on the “Add Another” button to add more]
• Email Address
• Email Address [ Instruction : Enter your email address where the consulate can email you if needed]
• (If you have answered “Yes” to the above question) Additional Email Address [ Instruction : Enter the additional email address that you have used in the last five years. If you have more than one, click on the “Add Another” button to add more]

Social Media

• TENCENT WEIBO
• VKONTAKTE (VK)
• Social Media Identifier [ Instruction : Enter the username or handle of the social media platform]
• Add Another [ Instruction: If you use or used more than one social media platform, click the “Add Another” button to add more]
• Do you wish to provide information about your presence on any other websites or applications you have used within the last five years to create or share content (photos, videos, status updates, etc.)? [ Instruction: Select “Yes” if you use a social media platform that was not listed in the above question, ex: Tiktok. Otherwise, select “No”. Messaging services such as WhatsApp do not count as social media, so DO NOT enter such services here]
• Additional Social Media Platform [ Instruction: Enter the social media platform name, ex: Tiktok]
• Additional Social Media Handle [ Instruction: Enter the social media platform username or handle, ex: @myhandle]

04. Passport

• Passport/Travel Document Number [ Instruction : Enter your passport number]
• Passport Book Number [ Instruction : Just check “Does Not Apply”]
• Country/Authority that Issued Passport/Travel Document [ Instruction : Select your country of passport]
• City [ Instruction : Enter the place of issue from your passport. If you can’t find the place of issue on your passport, just enter the city where your passport was issued ]
• State/Province *If shown on passport [ Instruction : Enter state/province of issue from your passport. If the state/province of issue is not on your passport, leave this field blank]
• Country/Region [ Instruction : Select the country where your passport was issued]
• Issuance Date [ Instruction : Select the date of issue from your passport]
• Expiration Date [ Instruction : Select the date of expiration from your passport]
• Have you ever lost a passport or had one stolen? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” only if you have ever lost your passport or stolen]
• Passport/Travel Document Number [ Instruction : Enter the passport number of the passport that was lost or stolen]
• Country/Authority that Issued Passport/Travel Document [ Instruction : Enter the country of the passport that was lost or stolen]
• Explain [ Instruction: Explain how your passport was lost or stolen]
• Add Another [ Instruction: If you had multiple incidents of lost or stolen passports, click on the “Add Another” button to enter more]

08. U.S. Contact

Contact Person or Organization in the United States

• Surnames [ Instruction : Enter the surname of your contact person in the US]
• Given Names [ Instruction : Enter the given name of your contact person in the US]
• Organization Name [ Instruction : Enter the name of the organization you know or will be visiting in the US. If you will not be visiting any, you can enter your hotel name or just check “Do Not Know”]
• SCHOOL OFFICIAL
• U.S. Street Address (Line 1)
• U.S. Street Address (Line 2) *Optional
• Phone Number

NOTE For “Contact Person or Organization in the United States”, you would need to enter AT LEAST one, either a “Contact Person” or an “Organization”. If you don’t know anyone who can vouch for you, I recommend entering the hotel where you will be staying.

Subsection: Relatives

Father’s Full Name and Date of Birth

• Surnames [ Instruction : Enter your father’s surname. If you don’t know, check “Do Not Know”]
• Given Names [ Instruction : Enter your father’s given name. If you don’t know, check “Do Not Know”]
• Date of Birth [ Instruction : Enter your father’s date of birth. If you don’t know, check “Do Not Know”]
• U.S. Citizen [ Instruction: Use this option if your father is a US citizen, meaning holding a US passport]
• U.S. LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT (LPR) [ Instruction: Use this option if your father holds a US Green card]
• NONIMMIGRANT [ Instruction: Use this option if your father is on a nonimmigrant visa such as B, H, L, F, J]
• OTHER/I DON’T KNOW [ Instruction: Use this option if you don’t know his status in the US]

Mother’s Full Name and Date of Birth

• Surnames [ Instruction : Enter your mother’s surname. If you don’t know, check “Do Not Know”]
• Given Names [ Instruction : Enter your mother’s given name. If you don’t know, check “Do Not Know”]
• Date of Birth [ Instruction : Enter your mother’s date of birth. If you don’t know, check “Do Not Know”]
• U.S. Citizen [ Instruction: Use this option if your mother is a US citizen, meaning holding a US passport]
• U.S. LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT (LPR) [ Instruction: Use this option if your mother holds a US Green card]
• NONIMMIGRANT [ Instruction: Use this option if your mother is on a nonimmigrant visa such as B, H, L, F, J]
• OTHER/I DON’T KNOW [ Instruction: Use this option if you don’t know her status in the US]
• (If you have answered “Yes” to the above question) Provide the following information:
• Surnames [ Instruction: Enter your immediate relative’s (spouse, son, daughter or sibling) surname]
• Given Names [ Instruction: Enter your immediate relative’s (spouse, son, daughter or sibling) given names ]
• FIANCÉ/FIANCÉÉ
• U.S. Citizen [ Instruction: Use this option if they are a US citizen, meaning holding a US passport]
• U.S. LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT (LPR) [ Instruction: Use this option if they hold US Green card]
• NONIMMIGRANT [ Instruction: Use this option if they are on a nonimmigrant visa such as B, H, L, F, J]
• OTHER/I DON’T KNOW [ Instruction: Use this option if you don’t know their status]
• Do you have any other relatives in the United States? [ Comment: Select “No”. Select “Yes” if you have any relatives such as grandparents, in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc. in the US and enter their details below]

NOTE For “Other Relatives”, select “Yes” only if you have relatives that you keep in touch with regularly and they know that you will be visiting the US soon.

Subsection: Spouse

Spouse’s Full Name and Date of Birth (include Maiden Name)

• Spouse’s Surnames [ Instruction : Enter your spouse’s surname]
• Spouse’s Given Names [ Instruction : Enter your spouse’s given name]
• Spouse’s Date of Birth [ Instruction : Select your spouse’s date of birth]
• Spouse’s Country/Region of Origin (Nationality) [ Instruction : Select your spouse’s country of nationality]
• City [ Instruction : Enter your spouse’s city of birth]
• Country/Region [ Instruction : Enter your spouse’s country of birth]
• SAME AS HOME ADDRESS
• SAME AS MAILING ADDRESS
• SAME AS U.S. CONTACT ADDRESS
• DO NOT KNOW
• OTHER (SPECIFY ADDRESS)

NOTE The “Spouse” section is only available if you have selected “MARRIED” as the “Marital Status” in “02. Personal” above.

10. Work / Education / Training

Subsection: present.

• AGRICULTURE
• ARTIST/PERFORMER
• COMMUNICATIONS
• COMPUTER SCIENCE
• CULINARY/FOOD SERVICES
• ENGINEERING
• LEGAL PROFESSION
• MEDICAL/HEALTH
• NATURAL SCIENCE
• NOT EMPLOYED
• PHYSICAL SCIENCES
• RELIGIOUS VACATION
• SOCIAL SERVICES
• Explain [ Instruction: This “Explain” box is shown only if you select “UNEMPLOYED” or “OTHER” for the above question. If you are unemployed, explain why you are unemployed. If you select “OTHER”, specify your occupation, such as Journalism, Marketing, etc.]
• Present Employer or School Name [ Instruction : Enter your current employer name (if employed) or university/college name (if student) or business name (if owns a business)]
• Start Date [ Instruction : Select the start date of your current job or school curriculum or business]
• Monthly Income in Local Currency (if employed) [ Instruction : Enter the monthly income you make from your current job or business. Check “Does Not Apply” if you are a student or retired]
• Briefly describe your duties: [ Instruction : Write a brief list of duties performed at your current employer or business]

Subsection: Previous

IMPORTANT Subsections “Previous” (previous work and education) and “Additional” (languages and travel history) are only asked for (1) all male applicants and (2) all applicants (male and female) from countries considered as questionable. Therefore, if you are a female applicant and you do not see these sections, it means you are not required to fill those sections. It’s normal, no need to worry.

• Were you previously employed? [ Instruction: Select “Yes” if you have a previous employer and enter the details below. Select “No” if your current job is your first job or you are a student]
• Employer Name
• Employer Street Address (Line1)
• Employer Street Address (Line 2) *Optional
• Supervisor’s Surname [ Instruction: If you don’t remember or know your supervisor back then, just check “Do Not Know”]
• Supervisor’s Given Names [ Instruction: If you don’t remember or know your supervisor back then, just check “Do Not Know” ]
• Employment Date From
• Employment Date To
• Briefly describe your duties:
• Add Another [ Instruction: If you have more than one previous employment, use this option to add more. You can add up to 2 previous employments]
• Have you attended any educational institutions at a secondary level or above? [ Instruction : Select “Yes” and enter your educational background below]
• Name of Institution
• Course of Study [ Instruction : Enter your course of study or degree]
• Date of Attendance From [ Instruction : Enter your university/school course start date]
• Date of Attendance To [ Instruction : Enter your university/school course end date]
• Add Another [ Instruction : Use this option to enter details if you have multiple degrees or a master’s degree]

NOTE Enter your educational background starting from the highest education to high school (or higher secondary).

Subsection: Additional

• Do you belong to a clan or tribe? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” if you belong to a recognized clan or tribe and enter the details]
• Language Name [ Instruction : Enter the language that you speak]
• Add Another [ Instruction : Use this option to add more languages that you speak]
• Country/Region [ Instruction : Enter the name of the country you have traveled to previously]
• Add Another [ Instruction : Use this option to add more countries that you have traveled]
• Have you belonged to, contributed to, or worked for any professional, social, or charitable organization? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” only if you are affiliated with a professional (IEEE, ACM, Bar Association, etc.) or charitable (Red Cross, MSF) group and enter the names of those organizations]
• Do you have any specialized skills or training, such as firearms, explosives, nuclear, biological, or chemical experience? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” only if you were trained in using firearms, etc]
• Have you ever served in the military? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” only if you have served/serving in the military]
• Have you ever served in, been a member of, or been involved with a paramilitary unit, vigilante unit, rebel group, guerrilla group, or insurgent organization? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” only if you have been involved in any of those groups and enter the details below]

Provide a List of Languages You Speak For the question “Provide a List of Languages You Speak”, enter all languages that you speak, even if you speak at a beginner level.

Provide a List of Countries/Regions Visited For the question “Provide a List of Countries/Regions Visited”, enter all countries you have traveled to so far including your country of residence (if it’s not your country of passport). Exclude the US (if you have traveled to the US before), your country of passport and any country that you have merely passed through on a layover/transit.

11. Security and Background

Subsection: part 1.

• Do you have a communicable disease of public health significance? (Communicable diseases of public significance include chancroid, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, infectious leprosy, lymphogranuloma venereum, infectious stage syphilis, active tuberculosis, and other diseases as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services.) [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” only if you have any of those diseases]
• Do you have a mental or physical disorder that poses or is likely to pose a threat to the safety or welfare of yourself or others? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” only if you have a mental or physical disorder]
• Are you or have you ever been a drug abuser or addict? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” only if you were a drug abuser or addict]

Subsection: Part 2

• Have you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even though subject of a pardon, amnesty, or other similar action? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you ever violated, or engaged in a conspiracy to violate, any law relating to controlled substances? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Are you coming to the United States to engage in prostitution or unlawful commercialized vice or have you been engaged in prostitution or procuring prostitutes within the past 10 years? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you ever been involved in, or do you seek to engage in, money laundering? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you ever committed or conspired to commit a human trafficking offense in the United States or outside the United States? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you knowingly aided, abetted, assisted or colluded with an individual who has committed or conspired to commit a severe human trafficking offense in the United States or outside the United States? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Are you the spouse, son, or daughter of an individual who has committed or conspired to commit a human trafficking offense in the United States or outside the United States and have you within the last five years, knowingly benefited from the trafficking activities? [ Instruction : Select “No”]

Subsection: Part 3

• Do you seek to engage in espionage, sabotage, export control violations, or any other illegal activity while in the United States? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Do you seek to engage in terrorist activities while in the United States or have you ever engaged in terrorist activities? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you ever or do you intend to provide financial assistance or other support to terrorists or terrorist organizations? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Are you a member or representative of a terrorist organization? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Are you the spouse, son, or daughter of an individual who has engaged in terrorist activity, including providing financial assistance or other support to terrorists or terrorist organizations, in the last five years? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you ever ordered, incited, committed, assisted, or otherwise participated in genocide? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you ever committed, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in torture? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you committed, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in extrajudicial killings, political killings, or other acts of violence? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you ever engaged in the recruitment or the use of child soldiers? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you, while serving as a government official, been responsible for or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you ever been directly involved in the establishment or enforcement of population controls forcing a woman to undergo an abortion against her free choice or a man or a woman to undergo sterilization against his or her free will? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you ever been directly involved in the coercive transplantation of human organs or bodily tissue? [ Instruction : Select “No”]

Subsection: Part 4

• Have you ever sought to obtain or assist others to obtain a visa, entry into the United States, or any other United States immigration benefit by fraud or willful misrepresentation or other unlawful means? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you ever been removed or deported from any country? [ Instruction : Select “No”]

Subsection: Part 5

• Have you ever withheld custody of a U.S. citizen child outside the United States from a person granted legal custody by a U.S. court? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you voted in the United States in violation of any law or regulation? [ Instruction : Select “No”]
• Have you ever renounced United States citizenship for the purpose of avoiding taxation? [ Instruction : Select “No”]

This section may not be available if applying from certain countries such as India, Mexico, etc. In such countries, photos are typically captured along with fingerprints by the visa application center or the consulate on the day of the visa interview appointment.

Subsection: Upload Photo

In the “Upload Photo” section, upload a passport-size digital photo.

NOTE If you have uploaded and tested your photo in the “01. Getting Started” section, you will be taken directly to the “Confirm Photo” section.

NOTE You may sometimes see an “ Error: There was a missing or invalid parameter in the request ” while uploading the photo. If you see this error, try again after a few minutes. If it’s a weekend, try again on a weekday, especially during US working hours. This is a technical issue and nothing wrong with your photo. Their technical team will be notified by the system and they will fix it.

Subsection: Confirm Photo

In the “Confirm Photo” section, you will see a preview of the photo you have uploaded. If you are satisfied with your photo, click on “Next: REVIEW”. Otherwise, click on “Choose a Different Photo” to upload a different photo.

In this section, you will review all the data you have entered so far. You will click on each of the following 7 subsections to review for accuracy and any mistakes in the data you have entered.

Subsection: Personal/Address/Phone/Passport

Review the entered information in “Personal/Address/Phone/Passport”

• Personal Information [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in personal information, click on “Edit Personal Information” to fix the errors]
• Address and Phone Information [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in address and phone information, click on “Edit Address and Phone Information” to fix the errors]
• Passport/Travel Document Information [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in passport/travel document information, click on “Edit Passport/Travel Document Information” to fix the errors]

Subsection: Travel

Review the entered information in “Travel”

• Travel Information [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in travel information, click on “Edit Travel Information” to fix the errors]
• Travel Companions Information [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in travel companions information, click on “Edit Travel Companions Information” to fix the errors]
• Previous U.S. Travel Information [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in previous US travel information, click on “Edit Previous U.S. Travel Information” to fix the errors]

Subsection: U.S. Contact

Review the entered information in “U.S. Contact”

• U.S. Point of Contact Information [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in US point of contact information, click on “Edit U.S. Point of Contact Information” to fix the errors]

Subsection: Family

Review the entered information in “Family”

• Family Information: Relatives [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in relatives information, click on “Edit Family Information: Relatives” to fix the errors]
• Family Information: Spouse [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in spouse information, click on “Edit Family Information: Spouse” to fix the errors]

Subsection: Work/Education/Training

Review the entered information in “Work/Education/Training”

• Present Work Information [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in present work information, click on “Edit Present Work Information” to fix the errors]
• Previous Work Information [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in previous work information, click on “Edit Previous Work Information” to fix the errors]
• Additional Information [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in additional information, click on “Edit Additional Information” to fix the errors]

Subsection: Security and Background

Review the entered information in “Security and Background”

• Part 1 [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in part 1, click on “Edit Part 1” to fix the errors]
• Part 2 [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in part 2, click on “Edit Part 2” to fix the errors]
• Part 3 [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in part 3, click on “Edit Part 3” to fix the errors]
• Part 4 [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in part 4, click on “Edit Part 4” to fix the errors]
• Part 5 [ Instruction : If you see any mistakes in part 5, click on “Edit Part 5” to fix the errors]

Subsection: Location

Review the entered information in “Location”

• Location [ Instruction : If you have made a mistake in selecting the location for your visa interview, click on “Edit Location Information” to select a different location]

14. Sign and Submit

Preparer of Application

• Did anyone assist you in filling out this application? [ Instruction : Select “No”. Select “Yes” ONLY if a travel agent completed your application on your behalf]

E-Signature

• Enter your Passport/Travel Document Number: [ Instruction : Enter your passport number]
• Enter the code as shown: [ Instruction : Enter the code shown in the captcha]

After entering the above information, click on “Sign and Submit Application” to electronically sign and submit your DS-160.

IMPORTANT Once you click on “Sign and Submit Application”, you cannot make any more changes to your DS-160. If you notice any errors, then you have to fill out a new application altogether. So, make sure all your information is correct and error-free before clicking on “Sign and Submit Application”.

After you click on “Sign and Submit Application”, the following confirmation is displayed.

“You have successfully signed and submitted your application. You cannot make any changes to your application at this point. Please click ‘Next: Confirmation’ to complete the application process”

Click on the “Next: Confirmation” button to view and print your DS-160 confirmation.

15. Confirmation

On this page, confirmation of your DS-160 will be displayed. You will see 3 options –

• Print Confirmation [ Instruction : Click this button to print DS-160 confirmation. A print of your DS-160 confirmation is required to attend your US visa interview]
• Print Application [ Instruction : Click this button to print a copy of DS-160 itself. This is for your records only. You do not need a DS-160 print for your interview]
• Email Confirmation [ Instruction : Click this button to email DS-160 confirmation. You can also print this DS-160 confirmation from your email later]

Print DS-160 confirmation from this screen on an A4 or letter-size paper. If not, at least save it as a PDF so you will have a copy. Email a copy to yourself as well so you can print it later if needed.

Also, print a copy of your DS-160 to PDF so you will have a copy of that too. Later down the line if you are applying/renewing the visa, you can upload this PDF to pre-populate the DS-160 form for you. It would save a ton of time.

WHAT’S NEXT?

After you complete and submit your DS-160, the next step would be to pay the MRV fee and schedule your US visa interview. Follow this detailed step-by-step guide on how to schedule US visa interview .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How to edit an already submitted DS-160 form?

Editing an already submitted DS-160 form is not possible. You will have to fill out a new DS-160 form. But you can retrieve your already submitted DS-160 form to pre-populate the information in your new DS-160 form. Follow the below steps.

– Go to the US Department of State’s  Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)  page – Click on “Retrieve an Application” – You will be asked whether you want to view the confirmation page or start a new application – Select “Start a new application” – Enter your Application ID – Submit

A new DS-160 form will be started with the information from your previous DS-160 form. Make necessary updates and submit the form. A confirmation page with a new bar code will be displayed. Print and use this new DS-160 confirmation page for your US visa appointment. Discard the old confirmation page.

If applying as a family, does everyone in the family need to submit a separate DS-160 form?

Yes. If you are applying US visas for the entire family, everyone in your family must submit a separate DS-160 form. Follow the below steps for completing DS-160 forms for everyone in the family.

1) Start your (primary applicant) DS-160 form first. Add your family members as your travel companions. 2) After submitting your DS-160 form, on the “thank you” page, you will be given the option to create the remaining DS-160 forms for your family members. 3) Follow the on-screen instructions from there, some of the common information (such as travel dates, companions, etc) will be copied over to your family members’ DS-160 forms. This saves time and helps to avoid making mistakes.

How to contact the National Visa Center if you have technical issues with DS-160

If you are facing any technical issues with your DS-160 form, you can contact the National Visa Center for help. Keep in mind that this is a phone-only help and you will have to call a US phone number. You can find the phone number on the US Department of State’s US Visas Contacts page.

That’s it, folks! Follow this step-by-step guide to fill DS-160 form for your US visa. If you have any questions or stuck at any step, reach out to me via social media or email.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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