Travel History: Can They Know?

Many countries keep records of non-residents' travel history, including entry and exit dates, reasons for travel, and frequency of visits. This information is often required for visa applications, tax returns, and residency applications. In the United States, for example, the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) maintains a five-year travel history of non-immigrant visitors, which can be easily accessed online. Similarly, the CBP database in the UK provides access to travel history, including the most recent admission record and a five-year history of arrivals and departures. It is important to note that passport records may not always include evidence of travel, such as entrance or exit stamps, and individuals may need to refer to their passports or contact relevant authorities for detailed travel histories.

How to check your travel history online

If you are a non-immigrant visitor to the US, you can check your travel history online. The US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) keeps a record of all non-immigrants who have travelled to the country in the past five years. This includes the reasons for their travel and the dates of previous visits.

Step 1: Visit the US Customs and Border Protection homepage

Step 2: Select the "Need a History of Your Arrivals & Departures?" option

Once you have opened the USCBP homepage, you will see several different options, including:

• Visiting the US & Arriving via a Land Border
• Already Visiting & Need Proof of Visitor Status
• Need A History of Your Arrivals & Departures
• How Much Longer May I Remain in the US

Click on the “Need a history of your arrivals & departures” option.

Step 3: Provide your consent

After you select the “Need a history of your arrivals & departures” option, a security notification will appear on your screen. To proceed, select “Consent and Continue”, which is located in a box on the lower right-hand side of the pop-up. Be sure to read everything on the notification before you continue so that you are fully aware of the restrictions and procedures that come with requesting your travel history.

Step 4: Input your personal information

Once you have provided your consent, you will be directed to a page where you can supply your personal information. This includes:

• Your full name (first and last)
• Your date of birth
• Your passport number
• Your country of citizenship

After you have entered the requested information and verified that it is accurate, select the “next” option in the box on the lower right-hand side of the screen.

Step 5: View your travel history

After you have submitted the requested personal information and selected “next”, you will be able to see the results of your travel history to the US. The information should include your arrival date, the port of entry, as well as your departure date and the port of exit.

You can also access a copy of your I-94 by clicking on the “Get this traveler’s most recent I-94” button at the bottom of the screen.

Step 6: Review the information

Take the time to review the information that is presented. Note that the information is not considered an “official” form. If you notice that something is inaccurate or you believe that information about your travel history may be missing, contact the USCBP directly.

Step 7: Print the information

You can print the information pertaining to your US travel history for your personal records by clicking on the “print” option on the bottom right-hand side of the screen. While the information presented on the USCBP webpage is intended for public consumption and is not considered official, you can use it to access an overview of your travel history and determine the requirements for your visa application and/or travel to the US.

Why you might need your travel history

Travel history is an important factor when applying for visas to high-profile countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. It is not a mandatory requirement, but it can significantly improve your chances of a successful application.

A good travel history can help prove that you are a genuine visitor and have complied with the immigration laws of the countries you have previously visited. It also shows that you have no intention of overstaying, working illegally, or seeking asylum.

Additionally, travel history can be useful if you need to check your previous travel records for visa applications or other purposes. For example, if you need to list each trip outside the United States on a form, you can refer to your travel history to accurately estimate the dates of your travel.

Furthermore, a strong travel history can help strengthen your passport if it is considered weak. For instance, if you hold a Nigerian passport, having a strong travel history can improve your chances of a successful visa application or help you travel to your dream destinations.

Overall, while not a mandatory requirement, travel history is important as it can increase your chances of visa approval, help with future applications, and strengthen your passport.

How to use your travel history to apply for a visa

When applying for a visa, you will likely be asked about your travel history. Your travel history can be used as proof of your identity and can simplify the paperwork associated with your journey.

Check your travel history:

Before applying for a visa, it is important to check your travel history to ensure that you have a record of your previous trips, including dates, destinations, and any relevant visas. This information can be accessed through the customs and border protection website of the country you are applying to visit. For example, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) website allows non-immigrant visitors to view their international arrival and departure records, including ports of entry and exit, for the last five years.

Gather supporting documents:

In addition to your travel history, you may be required to provide additional documentation such as copies of your previous passports, entry and exit stamps, study or work permits, and expired or valid visas. If you are unable to provide official documents, alternative forms of evidence such as bank statements or receipts from your travels may be considered.

Complete the visa application:

When completing the visa application form, provide honest and accurate information about your travel history. The specific requirements for travel history information may vary depending on the type of visa and the country you are applying to visit. For example, when applying for a UK visa, the online application form generally requires details of travel history for the past 10 years, as well as any previous UK visa applications or refusals during the same period.

Address any discrepancies:

If you notice any inaccuracies or discrepancies in your travel history records, be sure to address them by contacting the relevant authorities. For instance, if your U.S. travel history appears incomplete or inaccurate, you can send an email correspondence to the USCBP requesting the correct information.

By following these steps and using your travel history as supporting documentation, you can strengthen your visa application and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

How to check your travel history if your passport is lost or stolen

If your passport is lost or stolen, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself from identity theft and other potential issues. Here are the steps you can take to address the situation and check your travel history:

• Report the loss or theft: Contact your local police or the appropriate authorities to report the missing passport. The procedure may vary depending on your country, but it typically involves either reporting it online on your government's official website or filling out a form at your local police station. This step is crucial, as it helps prevent unauthorised use of your passport and protects your identity.
• Inform your embassy or consulate: If you are abroad when your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. They will provide assistance and guide you through the process of obtaining a new passport. You will likely need to appear in person and provide necessary documentation, such as identification, evidence of citizenship, and a completed passport application form.
• Apply for a new passport: To replace your lost or stolen passport, you will need to apply for a new one. This typically involves completing specific forms, such as the DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport and the DS-11 Application for a Passport. You may also need to provide passport photos, identification, evidence of citizenship, and your travel itinerary.
• Check your travel history: Passports themselves do not contain detailed travel history information, such as entrance or exit stamps, visas, or residence permits. However, passport records may include passport applications, consular reports, and certificates. To obtain these records, you can send a written request to the appropriate government department, providing personal details and any relevant information about your passport. Keep in mind that the availability of passport records may vary depending on the country and the time period.
• Monitor your credit and personal information: In addition to checking your travel history, it is essential to remain vigilant about potential identity theft. Keep a close eye on your credit report and bank accounts, and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze to protect your personal information.

Remember, once you report your passport as lost or stolen, it is immediately cancelled and considered invalid for travel. Do not attempt to use it even if you find it later, as it will no longer be recognised as a valid travel document. Take prompt action to secure your identity and obtain a replacement passport following the necessary procedures.

How to check your travel history if you are a US citizen

As a US citizen, there are several ways to check your travel history. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Using the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) Website:

• Visit the US Customs and Border Protection homepage.
• Look for and select the "Need a History of Your Arrivals & Departures?" option.
• Provide your consent by clicking on "Consent and Continue" when a security notification pops up. Read the notification carefully to understand the restrictions and procedures for requesting your travel history.
• Input your personal information, including your full name (first and last), country of citizenship, date of birth, and passport number.
• Review the information presented. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing details, contact the USCBP directly via email to request the correct information.
• Print the information by clicking on the "Print" option for your personal records.

Using Your Passport:

Look inside your official passport for date stamps from your trips. This method may not be useful if you don't have a passport or if there are missing records.

Personal Travel Records:

Even without official records, it is your responsibility to estimate your travel dates as accurately as possible. You can reconstruct your travel history by checking with relatives you visited, reviewing credit card statements, or recovering old travel records from airline or transportation company frequent flyer statements.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request:

If you cannot find your travel history records through the methods mentioned above, you can submit a FOIA request to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Personal FOIA requests are typically free if they involve fewer than 100 pages of photocopies, and you only need five years of history for most applications. However, keep in mind that a FOIA request may take several weeks to process.

Additionally, if you have an E-ZPass that you've used to pay tolls while entering and exiting Canada, you can submit a FOIL Request or contact E-ZPass directly for a copy of your records.

Frequently asked questions