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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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