The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of State announced on November 22 the official requirement for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to present a passport to enter the United States when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere (including the Caribbean and Central and South America) beginning January 23, 2007. (This is a revision from the previously announced date of January 8, 2007)Recent Passport Changes for Air Travelers
Future Requirements for Cruise Passengers
The U.S. government has not yet issued a final deadline for implementation of passport deadlines for sea travel and land border crossings with the Western Hemisphere. It is advised that cruise passengers be prepared for the deadline as early as Jan. 1, 2008.
Background
Since Jan. 23, 2007, a passport is required for all air travel within the Western Hemisphere and abroad for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda.
Changes effective June 8, 2007
U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can nevertheless temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007.
Official proof of a U.S. passport application is required and can be obtained at http://travel.state.gov/
What this Means for Cruise Passengers
While U.S. residents are not yet required to obtain passports for cruise travel within the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico, they still must show proof of identity and proof of citizenship in order to board a cruise ship. Official proof of application for a passport alone does not meet cruise line requirements.
At the point of embarkation, cruise passengers must present a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) along with proof of citizenship in the form of a:
- Passport (official proof of application will not be accepted)
- Original or certified copy of birth certificate
- Naturalization papers (for U.S. Naturalized citizens)
Thank you.
Air
January 23, 2007: Passport required for all air travel within the Western Hemisphere and abroad.
U.S. Citizens departing and returning to the United States by air after January 23, 2007, will be required to have a valid U.S. Passport. The Passport office is already busy and this will likely contribute to a backlog that could result in lengthy issuance delays as these rules take effect.
Sea and Land
As soon as January 1, 2008: Passport or other accepted documents* required for land border crossings and sea travel within the Western Hemisphere.
Although the requirement to possess a valid Passport or PASScard for sea travel and land border crossings could be extended to as late as June 1, 2009, the government can accelerate this date based on meeting certain standards and is recommending that travelers be prepared for the passport requirement as early as January 1, 2008.
The Bottom Line:
Don’t delay, get a Passport today!
Remember, without a Passport or PASScard, you will not be able to travel outside of the United States and you will be "travel limited". In addition, after the implementation date, U.S. clients who arrive at their Port of Embarkation without a valid U.S. Passport will not be permitted to board a ship. For more information go to http://www.travel.state.gov/passport
*Sea and land travelers will also be eligible for the PASScard, a less expensive alternative document