PASSPORTS REQUIRED TO ENTER THE
UNITED STATES
Did you know that beginning in 2007, all traveling Americans
returning to the United States will be required to have a valid U.S.
Passport? It's true. And the new rules will be phased-in as early as
January 2007.
The new rules are as follows:
AIR
January 8, 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 8, 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
By June 1, 2009 – Passport or other accepted documents* required for
land border crossings and sea travel within the Western Hemisphere.
The Departments of State and Homeland Security can accelerate this
June 1, 2009 date upon certifying a plan that meets certain
standards for the new identification cards to make them easy to use,
affordable and ensure privacy.
*Sea and land travelers will also be eligible for the PASScard, a
less expensive alternative document.
Going forward, a Passport will be required for U.S. Citizens who
travel by air and sea to and from the Western Hemisphere
destinations of the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America,
Canada and Mexico. Without a Passport, you will not be able to
travel outside of the U.S. - including cruise travel. In addition,
after the implementation date, cruise vacationers who arrive at the
Port to embark on a cruise without a valid Passport, will not be
permitted to board the ship.
Important reasons to get your Passport now:
1. Avoid the rush and the possibility of not being able to travel
where and when you wish without a passport.
2. Future travel to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South
America, Canada and Mexico will require a passport to re-enter the
U.S.
3. A Passport can open the doors to travel you may not have
considered before, such as cruising in Europe, Australia and Asia.
And a Passport will also be required to visit our neighbor countries
of Canada and Mexico.
4. Considering that a Passport is valid for ten years, the cost is
minimal ($97 for a new Passport and $67 for a renewal).
5. PASScards are expected to cost approximately $50 and will be
valid for only 5 years. For cruise passengers, they will only be
valid for travel in the Western Hemisphere.
6. Even with a confirmed booking for travel abroad, you will be
denied boarding if you do not possess a valid Passport.
7. And finally, a U.S. Passport is easy to obtain by visiting one of
the 6,000 Passport acceptance facilities across the U.S.
For more information about applying for a Passport, U.S. Citizens
may visit the
U.S. State Department web site
or call the National Passport Information Center toll free at
1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TYY: 1-888-874-7793. Foreign Nationals should
contact their respective governments to obtain details regarding
current Passports requirements and application procedures.
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