Help on the new passport law!!!!!

[kmom235678]

Not sure how to understand this new passport law anyone have a clue on how to read this too many dates to understand it right......Any one that know just how to read this new law I could use the help would hate to go spend 400$ on passport if we don't need to.

 

 

The travel initiative requirements will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed implementation timeline is as follows:

 

December 31, 2005 – Passport or other accepted document required for all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.

December 31, 2006 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.

December 31, 2007 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air, sea and land border crossings.

 

What is the new travel document requirement?

 

All travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Canada or Mexico will be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors. This new requirement will be known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

 

Who does this requirement affect?

 

All United States citizens traveling within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports will be affected.

 

Certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States, namely most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and Mexican citizens will also be affected.

 

When will the new travel initiative requirement be implemented?

 

The travel initiative requirements will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline is as follows:

 

December 31, 2005 – Passport or other accepted document required for all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.

December 31, 2006 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.

December 31, 2007 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air, sea and land border crossings.

How Do I get a passport?

 

U.S. citizens may visit the Passport section of this website for information on how to apply for a U.S. passport.

 

You should allow yourself a sufficient amount of time to apply and receive your passport in advance of travel. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing of U.S. passport applications.

 

Peak U.S. passport processing is between January and July. For faster service, we recommend applying between August and December.

 

Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain passports.

 

Other than a passport, what types of documents will be acceptable under this initiative?

 

The passport is the document of choice because of the incorporated advanced security features. Individuals traveling to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico or Canada are encouraged to obtain a passport.

 

For land border crossings, other documents that we anticipate will be acceptable under this Initiative are SENTRI, NEXUS and FAST program cards. These are current international frequent traveler programs.

 

We anticipate that the Border Crossing Card (BCC – also known as “laser visa”) will also be acceptable as a substitute for a passport and a visa for citizens of Mexico traveling to the United States from contiguous territory.

 

No other document is currently available that will be an acceptable substitute for the passport, or the Border Crossing Card, SENTRI, NEXUS or FAST cards. However, we are using new technologies to create other acceptable travel documents. We will make public additional travel document options as they become available.

 

Why is the U.S. Government going to require a passport or other secure identity document?

 

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) mandated that the U.S. Secretaries of Homeland Security and State develop and implement a plan to require U.S. citizens and foreign nationals to present a passport or other appropriate secure identity and citizenship documentation when entering the United States.

 

For many years U.S. citizens, and some citizens of other countries in the Western Hemisphere including Canadians, have not been required to present a passport to enter the U.S. Other forms of documents, less secure than the passport, have historically been accepted.

 

In light of the new security efforts, the United States is requiring travelers to have a passport or other accepted document for entry into the United States.

 

Can the general public provide input into the planning and implementation the travel initiative requirements?

 

The Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), and State (DOS) are issuing an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) in the Federal Register to provide vital information on the plan to the public and request input and/or comment on the suggested documents and possible alternative documents that can meet the statutory requirements. DHS and DOS expect to issue a more formal rule later this year following review of those comments to implement the first phase of the Initiative. This rule will take into account comments received as well as soliciting further comments on the rulemaking itself.

 

The government expects that acceptable documents must establish the citizenship and identity of the bearer through electronic data verification and will include significant security features. Ultimately, all documents used for travel to the United States are expected to include biometrics that can be used to authenticate the document and verify identity.

 

How will the new travel initiative requirements impact travel at the land borders?

 

The Departments of State and Homeland Security understand that the greatest potential change will occur at the land borders. The new statute specifically mandates that the concerns of border communities be considered. We recognize the implications this might have for industry, business and the general public, as well as our neighboring countries, and they are important partners in this initiative. The advanced notice of proposed rule making will allow these affected publics to voice concern and provide ideas for alternate documents.

[D4]

Ever since 9/11, there have been predictions that we'd get to the point where we need passports for all foreign travel. If you take cruises, you might as well just spring for the passports now and be prepared for any future rule changes.

 

Having a passport is a good idea anyway on cruises. Sometimes people have a medical emergency or miss the ship in a foreign country. They can encounter HUGE problems if they don't have a passport with them.

[hstrybuf]

As a U.S. citizen, your most immediate concern will be if you are traveling to the Caribbean, Bermuda, or Central and South America anytime in 2006. While nothing is set in stone, yet, most people seem to interpret this to mean that you and everyone in your party, including children, will need a passport by the end of this year IF you plan to travel to one of those areas next year. At this time, "other accepted travel documents" refers to special passes for those who frequently travel between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico. This too could change.

 

Soooo, if you have a cruise booked to, say the Caribbean in 2006, start getting those passports now, one at a time.

[kg4pit]

DH also interpreted the new passport information to mean that if you plan on cruising to the Caribbean in 2006, you would need a passport. We are cruising in Oct. 05, but we decided to go ahead and get our passports this week. Because the closer it gets to the deadline, the longer the wait will be to get them. We went to a local drug store and had our picture made, then went to the Post Office. They can take your picture at the post office too, but it was a little cheaper at the drug store. FYI--they don't take credit cards. Checks or money orders only. If you only have your debit card (like us) you can buy a money order. Hope this was helpful..:)

[Mexico]

Not sure how to understand this new passport law anyone have a clue on how to read this too many dates to understand it right......Any one that know just how to read this new law I could use the help would hate to go spend 400$ on passport if we don't need to.

 

 

The travel initiative requirements will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed implementation timeline is as follows:

 

December 31, 2005 – Passport or other accepted document required for all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.

December 31, 2006 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.

December 31, 2007 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air, sea and land border crossings.

 

What is the new travel document requirement?

 

All travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Canada or Mexico will be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors. This new requirement will be known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

 

Who does this requirement affect?

 

All United States citizens traveling within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports will be affected.

 

Certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States, namely most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and Mexican citizens will also be affected.

 

When will the new travel initiative requirement be implemented?

 

The travel initiative requirements will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline is as follows:

 

December 31, 2005 – Passport or other accepted document required for all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.

December 31, 2006 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.

December 31, 2007 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air, sea and land border crossings.

How Do I get a passport?

 

U.S. citizens may visit the Passport section of this website for information on how to apply for a U.S. passport.

 

You should allow yourself a sufficient amount of time to apply and receive your passport in advance of travel. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing of U.S. passport applications.

 

Peak U.S. passport processing is between January and July. For faster service, we recommend applying between August and December.

 

Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain passports.

 

Other than a passport, what types of documents will be acceptable under this initiative?

 

The passport is the document of choice because of the incorporated advanced security features. Individuals traveling to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico or Canada are encouraged to obtain a passport.

 

For land border crossings, other documents that we anticipate will be acceptable under this Initiative are SENTRI, NEXUS and FAST program cards. These are current international frequent traveler programs.

 

We anticipate that the Border Crossing Card (BCC – also known as “laser visa”) will also be acceptable as a substitute for a passport and a visa for citizens of Mexico traveling to the United States from contiguous territory.

 

No other document is currently available that will be an acceptable substitute for the passport, or the Border Crossing Card, SENTRI, NEXUS or FAST cards. However, we are using new technologies to create other acceptable travel documents. We will make public additional travel document options as they become available.

 

Why is the U.S. Government going to require a passport or other secure identity document?

 

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) mandated that the U.S. Secretaries of Homeland Security and State develop and implement a plan to require U.S. citizens and foreign nationals to present a passport or other appropriate secure identity and citizenship documentation when entering the United States.

 

For many years U.S. citizens, and some citizens of other countries in the Western Hemisphere including Canadians, have not been required to present a passport to enter the U.S. Other forms of documents, less secure than the passport, have historically been accepted.

 

In light of the new security efforts, the United States is requiring travelers to have a passport or other accepted document for entry into the United States.

 

Can the general public provide input into the planning and implementation the travel initiative requirements?

 

The Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), and State (DOS) are issuing an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) in the Federal Register to provide vital information on the plan to the public and request input and/or comment on the suggested documents and possible alternative documents that can meet the statutory requirements. DHS and DOS expect to issue a more formal rule later this year following review of those comments to implement the first phase of the Initiative. This rule will take into account comments received as well as soliciting further comments on the rulemaking itself.

 

The government expects that acceptable documents must establish the citizenship and identity of the bearer through electronic data verification and will include significant security features. Ultimately, all documents used for travel to the United States are expected to include biometrics that can be used to authenticate the document and verify identity.

 

How will the new travel initiative requirements impact travel at the land borders?

 

The Departments of State and Homeland Security understand that the greatest potential change will occur at the land borders. The new statute specifically mandates that the concerns of border communities be considered. We recognize the implications this might have for industry, business and the general public, as well as our neighboring countries, and they are important partners in this initiative. The advanced notice of proposed rule making will allow these affected publics to voice concern and provide ideas for alternate documents.

 

If you are going to leave the country GET A PASSPORT!

 

We live on the border with Mexico and you would think all hell is going to occur because you can't cross at will. So what! Mexicans have to have a passport to enter the US so what difference? The cost of a passport over a ten year period is cheaper than a Sam's Club membership for the same period of time.

 

This is probably the only thing that Bush and his administration has done that makes sense!

[negc]

 

This is probably the only thing that Bush and his administration has done that makes sense!

It should be noted that President Bush has expressed his opposition to the proposed new regulation. :rolleyes: Before the new regulations go into effect there will be a period for public comments, so there could be some changes made before the final rules are in place. In the meantime, nothing prevents you from getting a passport now. They are good for 10 years so the price is really not expensive spread across that period of time.

[Mexico]

It should be noted that President Bush has expressed his opposition to the proposed new regulation. :rolleyes: Before the new regulations go into effect there will be a period for public comments, so there could be some changes made before the final rules are in place. In the meantime, nothing prevents you from getting a passport now. They are good for 10 years so the price is really not expensive spread across that period of time.

 

Am well aware of his alleged opposition. Hyprocrisy prevails! We live in El Paso and you would think that all liberties are being taken away from all of us!

 

The bottom line however is get a PASSPORT!

 

And I restate that this is probably the best thing that he and his administration has done!

[wrp96]

My TA was told by RCCI when I booked my March 2006 cruise, that after 12/31/05 a passport will be required for all cruises.

 

Even if it wasn't required, a passport is the best way to go.

 

Get a passport!

[mek]

Just curious, I've had a passport for over 20 years, but does anyone know if one will be necessary to travel from the US to US territories?

[Onessa]

Just a few additional notes:

 

1) A child's (under 17) passport is less expensive but expires in 5 years (rather than 10).

2) Be certain that whoever does your photos knows the rules - there are specific regulations for the size of the face measurements. I've got a AAA membership, and they will do them (free for members, charge for non-members).

3) You must apply in person at the post office. Not all post offices are authorized to accept passport applications - call ahead. If you are applying for a passport for your child, bring the child with you and both parents (there are exceptions to the both parent rule, but it does entail a lot of other paperwork). As the parents you will be expected to produce photo IDs. The web site has an exhaustive list of all of the requirements - be certain to review it ahead of time or you will be making multiple trips to the post office!

[Coralc]

Interesting question mek, about US to US territories. I assume places like Puerto Rico, American Samoa, St. Thomas. I don't know, we have only visited a couple such locations on cruises. And their citizens are US citizens. Was a passport required previously to visit there? I would think probably not.

[Mexico]

Interesting question mek, about US to US territories. I assume places like Puerto Rico, American Samoa, St. Thomas. I don't know, we have only visited a couple such locations on cruises. And their citizens are US citizens. Was a passport required previously to visit there? I would think probably not.

 

However, if you are on a cruise that enters a port that is not an United States territory, you will need a passport to reenter the United States

[beachchick]

If you are going to leave the country GET A PASSPORT!

 

We live on the border with Mexico and you would think all hell is going to occur because you can't cross at will. So what! Mexicans have to have a passport to enter the US so what difference?

 

No, actually they don't. It says quite clearly that the BCC is and will be acceptable for Mexican citizens. That kind of frosts me. If US citizens need a passport to return to our own country from anywhere in the world, then all visitors should be required to have a passport. Fair is fair.

 

Mind you, I am not saying passports are bad. DH and I have had them for longer than I care to remember. We will always have them. It's just logical and smart, IMO.

 

beachchick

[Happy ks]

There are always a few unintentional errors made by people posting information regarding passports. My suggestion is to go to the site:

 

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

 

Here, you will get all the accurate info regarding costs, age requirements, photos, they even have a link to find out the closest places to apply and you can find out hours of operation from there. All the forms you need are at this site, you can print them out and have them filled out before going to apply.

 

When we obtained our passports, there were several people turned down because of improper photos, make sure you go where they know how to do them. If you take them at home, make sure you follow the guidelines exactly, or they may turn you down. Take checks or money orders, they will not accept charge or debit cards and not always cash, either. Our daughters birth certificate (issued by the state) was not accepted. It had been issued during a time they were printing out "abstract copies of birth" and it looked identical to our sons (his was accepted), except for the "abstract" part.

 

Both parents do not have to be present, but there is a simple form to fill out if one cannot be there. It is at the discretion of the acceptance facility if the child has to be present, so take them along. My son, 14 at the time, had to be present, but my 11 year old daughter did not have to be, even though she was.

 

Prepare to wait in line at the acceptance facility and get there earlier than the posted time. If all your documents, photos and payments are in order, it only takes a few minutes. When we went for our kids, there were probably 25 people in line in front of us. We thought we had a long wait, but one clerk came out and checked paperwork ahead of time, she sent over half of them away. I had to return a second time after securing the proper birth certificate for my daughter (it only took about 10 days to obtain that). The second time I went, same story, many people did not have the proper photos, BCs and payment form (checks).

[MikeNJ1109]

Interesting question mek, about US to US territories. I assume places like Puerto Rico, American Samoa, St. Thomas. I don't know, we have only visited a couple such locations on cruises. And their citizens are US citizens. Was a passport required previously to visit there? I would think probably not.

 

American territories i.e St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and Guam you do not need a passport, though you will have to clear customs upon your return. American Samoa and the Northern Marianas are a different story, you need a passport to enter & depart from there.

 

Michael

[debbiebierman]

Sailing to So. Carribbean In Jan 21,2006.

We have a pretty large group going. And this is the first time I have heard about the new passport law.

The paper last week read that it would not start till 2008 so this was a shock when I got the e-mail saying we needed to get passports.

 

We are taking our kids and many other are also this is a big blow out for our kids suites and all!

Are they still issuing travel visa? This would be cheaper for all the kids that are going and not such a big cost for a one time use passport!?

 

Since we cruise every year not a big issue to get for the adults but a big bite for the kids.

[MikeNJ1109]

Sailing to So. Carribbean In Jan 21,2006.

We have a pretty large group going. And this is the first time I have heard about the new passport law.

The paper last week read that it would not start till 2008 so this was a shock when I got the e-mail saying we needed to get passports.

 

We are taking our kids and many other are also this is a big blow out for our kids suites and all!

Are they still issuing travel visa? This would be cheaper for all the kids that are going and not such a big cost for a one time use passport!?

 

Since we cruise every year not a big issue to get for the adults but a big bite for the kids.

 

There will be no difference re: adult passports vs. children passports...bottom line is everyone will need a passport. As has been mentioned previously on this and other threads, when you average the cost of the passport over its lifetime, it works out to between $6.50 and $9.00 per year, well worth it IMHO.

 

Michael

[AAAMom]

I was hoping this would happen since the rest of the world is already there. In particular I could never understand the use of a license or birth certificate (no picture...how do they know it's you) as acceptable id. I am especially thrilled that they are requiring children to have them also. I could never figure out how I have to show id but my child didn't...how do they know he's mine????

[Max Circus]

By getting a passport it leaves you with one less thing to worry about. Many times I have heard of people scrambling to get the "raised seal" birth certificate at the last minute.

 

Get a passport - keep in in a fireproof safe or at your bank's safety deposit box until you need it. For ten years (5 for children) you'll have piece of mind for travelling abroad. My wife and I have found it streamlines check in at the cruise terminal. and airport A passport seems to be a more "trusted" form of identification than a birth certificate and license.

[Happy ks]

debbiebieberman, Read the new legislation carefully. You are right, passports will be needed by all Americans to re-enter the US in 2008. But, the legislation is phasing the passport in:

 

Dec. 31, 2005 for Americans re-entering from Carib., Central and South America and Bermuda

 

Dec. 31, 2006 for American re-entering from Mexico and Canada

 

Dec. 31 2007 for Americans re-entering for all border crossings

 

If your cruise is re-entering from Mexico, you will not need them....yet, but if you're going to the Caribbean, South or Central America or Bermuda, yes, you will need them by the end of this year.

[SharleneinTexas]

well, we are cruising end of this year and won't again until around the same time in '06.........I'm just going to take my time in '06 getting them one at a time.......they last for 10yrs? why throw away 1 of those years when I know I'm not going to be using it? LOL

at this time this is all 'proposed' legislation.......guess I'm in a good position this year because the timing gives me a chance to see how the dust settles.

and Pleasssssssssseeeeeeeee leave politics out of this - one place where I can go and avoid that fireworks show........:)

[Sarapdot]

GET A PASSPORT!! My husband and I are going on a cruise to the caribbean in Nov. 2005 and we got our passports last week. I didn't want to get them, because I didn't want to spend $200 of my vacation money if we didn't need them, but I decided not to take any chances. I understand the law to say that you will need one by Jan. 1, 2006 to leave OR Return to the US. If you have a cruise booked for the caribbean in late Dec that returns in Jan. I would definately get a passport, they may not let you back in. Also, I have seen some post from other CC members saying that people are already having problems using the old Birth Cert and ID. One couple was held up at immigration so long that they missed their flight and the next 2. So, with that said I would get one just to be on the safe side. :)

[Rosekenn]

I was told by a Satet Dept. Employee once that if you are in a foreign country and a problem occurs, our State Dept. will do NOTHING to help you if you do not have a valid US Passport. Think of all the possibilities!!! Getting ill on an island and having to be hospitalized and missing the boat and having to fly back to the US WITHOUT a PASSPORT. Others incude terrorism, being robbed, mugged or missing the ship. It is a small price to pay for that extra security, just knowing they will help you get out of a foreign country.

[Rosekenn]

oops sorry State Dept!!

[QueensChick]

Proposed Timeline for Implementation for Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Requirements

 

 

The travel initiative requirements will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines.

 

The proposed implementation timeline is as follows:

 

December 31, 2005 – Passport or other accepted document required for all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.

December 31, 2006 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.

 

December 31, 2007 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air, sea and land border crossings.

 

For a Caribbean cruise, a Panama Canal cruise or a cruise to Bermuda, you will need a passport beginning January 1, 2006.

 

Get one now before the rush. You won't regret getting and having a passport. It'll make travel easier. For peace of mind it is well worth the cost.

 

Good cruising! :)