NEW PASSPORT RULES:
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
- JANUARY 31, 2008
U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time.
- SUMMER 2008
At a later date, to be determined, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.
The implementation date will be determined based on a number of factors, including the progress of actions undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security to implement the WHTI requirements and the availability of WHTI compliant documents on both sides of the border. DHS and DOS expect the date of full WHTI implementation to be in the summer of 2008. The precise implementation date will be formally announced with at least 60 days notice.
For more information or to get a passport application, visit the U.S. State Department website.
All passengers must present the required documentation at embarkation. Guests without the required documentation will be denied boarding and no refund will be issued. Please understand that cruise lines will strictly enforce this requirement to be in compliance with this important U.S. Government mandate.
Non U.S. nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain further details.
Passport Requirements
Protecting Our Borders
November 26, 2007 - U.S. Customs and Border Protection is responsible for protecting our nation's borders in order to prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel.
As the unified border agency within the Department, the agency includes more than 40,000 employees, including Border Patrol and CBP Officers to manage, control and protect the nation's borders, at and between the official ports of entry. More at CBP.gov
Machine-Readable Passports
Effective June 26, 2005, travelers from the 27 countries participating in the United States' Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have a machine-readable passport to enter the United States.
If you are in possession of a passport issued by any of the 27 countries listed below, please contact the passport issuing authority to ensure that you are in possession of a machine-readable passport. Please note that boarding will be denied to travelers from VWP countries that do not have machine-readable passports.
The 27 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Additional information regarding the Visa Waiver Program is available on-line at www.dhs.gov .
NEW Passport Requirements
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), once implemented, will require all travelers entering or re-entering the United States to be in possession of a valid passport. The unforeseen possibility of a medical disembarkation or early cruise termination may require that you have a valid passport to enable you to continue travel.
Implementation of the WHTI is presently expected to be on the following schedule:
- January 23, 2007 - Valid passport required for travel by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
- January 1, 2008 - Valid passport required for all air and sea travel.
- January 1, 2008 - Valid passport required for all U.S. air, sea and land border crossings.
Please check back on the next links for future updates.
www.travel.state.gov & www.dhs.gov
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