Friday, June 5, 2009

Passports Now Required

Thank you to Travel Leaders for posting this informative article:
http://www.travelleaders.com/suntime/265835

International travelers, take note: you now need a passport, a passport card, or an enhanced driver's license to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or a Caribbean country.

If you enter the U.S. by land or sea, you must have a passport, a passport card, or an enhanced driver's license, which is available in some border states. If you are entering by air, the only acceptable proof of citizenship is a valid U.S. passport. Previously, travelers without passports were able to enter the U.S. with a government-issued proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license.

The new requirements became effective on June 1, when the full provisions of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) went into effect. The WHTI is one result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Its intent is to assure that all U.S. citizens have valid documentation for their identities, as well as to help the Department of Homeland Security quickly and easily identify travelers in order to strengthen border security.Note that there are a few exceptions to the new rules. Children under the age of 16 who are U.S. citizens may present their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship when entering the U.S. Groups of citizens ages 16 through 18, such as sports teams or school groups, who are traveling with adult supervision may also enter the U.S. with their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.

If you already have a passport, you should be all set. Simply make sure that your passport is unexpired and undamaged. If you were recently married or divorced, make sure your passport bears your current name.

If you don't have a passport or your passport is expired, apply well in advance of your next trip out of the U.S. Application processing time is usually four to six weeks. When applying for your first passport, you must apply in person. Your travel professional will be able to give you other tips about applying for or renewing a passport, as well as assist you with expedited services.

Helpful links:
Here is the link to the U.S. Department of State website, with further info on the WHTI:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Here is the link to more information about the U.S. Passport Card:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

Applying for a NEW passport? Here is the link for these forms: (you do need to apply in person, but can fill out the forms in advance)
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html