New Passport Requirement for Western Hemisphere Sea Travel
11-08-2006
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to plan their travel.
Reprieve on Passport Requirements for Air Travel
07-05-2007
The Department of State has pushed back the date on which it will require U.S. citizens to present a passport to return from Canada, Mexico and Carribian nations by air, due to the record-breaking backlog of passport applications this year. Until September 30, American citizens can re-enter the U.S. from these countries with a government-issued photo I.D. and proof of their passport application.
If you have applied for a passport and have net yet received it, go to The Official Passport Status Page to print out a copy of your application status.
Children under 16 traveling with their parents will also need a copy of their application status, though no ID. Children traveling alone internationally will need their application status report and their birth certificate or baptismal record. Children traveling with one parent may need a notarized letter of permission from the other parent; please check with your travel agent to make sure you have everything your family needs to travel before you depart.
If you do not have a passport yet, or if your passport is expired, and you plan to travel abroad to any country, you must apply for a passport before you depart.
Also, please be aware that many countries (including a number of Caribbean nations) require a passport, and sometimes a visa, for entry regardless of what the U.S. requires for re-entry. Check with your travel agent to find out, or go to This Site to see a complete list of entry requirements by nation.
