Updated Passport Requirements - November 22, 2007 11/22/2006 5:00:20 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment 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.
Here are the current rules regarding the need to have a Passport for travel within the Western Hemisphere:
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. In addition, after the implementation date, U.S. citizens who arrive at their Port of Embarkation without a valid U.S. Passport will not be permitted to board the ship. Information on obtaining or renewing a U.S. Passport can be found on the State Department's Web site at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport
*Sea and land travelers will also be eligible for the PASScard, a less expensive alternative document.
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