Passport Info

Sometimes lost in the brouhaha over the passport rules that went into effect in January 2007 is the fact that the requirements only apply to travel via air. That means that, at least through June 1, 2009, travelers can continue to cruise to the Caribbean out of U.S. ports without needing a passport. The exemption applies whether you are cruising out of Florida, elsewhere in the U.S. mainland, or Puerto Rico. Remember that the passport rules apply to reentry to the U.S. only; most Caribbean countries will still admit Americans carrying only a birth certificate and driver's license or other primary ID. (Bermuda and Barbados are two of the exceptions - you need a passport there.)


AIR TRAVEL



ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

CURRENTLY:
U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available in spring 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
LATER:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government 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 a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.
Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.


PLEASE REMEMBER, IF YOU ARE TAKING A CRUISE AND MUST FLY HOME FROM A CARIBBEAN ISLAND, YOU MAY NOT BE LET BACK INTO THE US WITHOUT A VALID PASSPORT. I CAN ONLY MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS, BUT MY RECOMMENDATION IS TO GET A PASSPORT NOW.