Travel rules, regulations and restrictions have changed considerably in the last decade, particularly since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. US passports are in high demand since they are currently a requirement for certain types of travel. Other types of travel do not require a US passport, though the rules will be changing again in the coming months and years. If you are planning air travel in the near future, you’re probably wondering what rules apply to you.
The changes that have occurred in land, sea and air travel regulations have come about as the result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. This program was launched in 2004 in response to the drafting of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. It was enacted to strengthen the security of US borders without making it prohibitive for US citizens and legitimate foreign visitors to cross American borders. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a joint effort between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean region. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative dictates a uniform standard of documentation which is required by every person wishing to enter and leave the areas which are covered by this agreement.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has been implemented in several stages in order to give the public time to prepare for the changes. The first stage to affect air travel was enacted in January of 2007. The standard of required documentation for air travel has not changed since, though changes to land and sea travel have occurred in that time. According to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all foreign air travel (i.e. airplanes leaving the United States) requires a US passport both to leave and re-enter the US.
It is important to note that travelers are not required to carry a US passport for domestic flights. There is no stipulation regarding domestic air travel in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. However, there is speculation by travel experts and government groups that one day a US passport may be required even for domestic flights. This policy would fall into line with a number of other countries, particularly in Europe and the UK. These countries currently require locals and foreigners alike to present a passport for everything travel related, including domestic air travel and hotel stays.
It is also important to note that the documentation required for air travel is stricter than the rules for travel by land and sea. As of January 31, 2008 land and sea travel can be undertaken without a US passport. In lieu of a US passport, travelers must present a legal form of government photo identification AND a proof of citizenship document (birth certificate or naturalization certificate.) Air travelers have been caught in the confusion in the past few years and some have unfortunately found themselves stranded in airports because they were unaware that air travel requirements differ from other types of travel.
The final stage of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will take effect in June, 2009. In anticipation of this, travel agents and US government officials are urging that all American citizens apply for a US passport. A US passport is the only worldwide, universally-accepted form of travel identification. While Americans will still be able to cross land borders without one after June of 2009, a US passport will speed up the process considerably and make for fewer delays at border crossing stations.
By: Jenny Schweyer
Posts Tagged ‘Caribbean Region’
Do I Need a US Passport For Air Travel?
April 12th, 2010Travel Documents For Cruises – Do I Need a US Passport?
January 23rd, 2010
Some confusion exists around what types of travel documents for cruises are necessary. Even different cruise lines sometimes seem to have conflicting information on whether passengers must obtain and carry a US passport. Much of this confusion has resulted from the changes that have been made in recent years to travel requirements in the United States. Different modes of transportation have different requirements. It’s important that you determine what types of travel documents for cruises are necessary, and to realize that these requirements may differ from air and land travel regulations.
In 2004 the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was enacted. It was developed in agreement with the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean region. Since a number of these countries share common borders, it became necessary to develop a standardized way of screening travelers in order to protect US borders. This initiative helps to strengthen borders without making it prohibitive for American citizens and legitimate foreign travelers to enter and leave the United States. The initiative legislates uniform standards for travel documents for cruises, as well as for land and air travel across borders.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has been implemented in graduated stages since it was drafted in 2004. The first changes were made in 2007 and affected air travel only. Since that time all foreign air travel requires a US passport. The most recent change implemented in January of 2008 directly affected land and sea travel. Prior to this date, oral declarations of citizenship were accepted when crossing borders by land or sea. However, current regulations dictate that oral declarations are no longer acceptable. Currently all land and sea crossings require a US passport or WHTI compliant documentation. When the final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is enacted in June, 2009, most travelers will be expected to travel with a US passport or passport card (eligible for land and sea crossings only.)
What does this mean for travelers planning cruises between now and June, 2009? Acceptable travel documents for cruises which have ports outside of the United States include a US passport, a passport card, OR a government-issued photo identification card (valid driver’s license, military ID card, Native card, etc.) PLUS proof of citizenship (a US birth certificate or naturalization certificate.) Those travelers booking cruises for dates after June 1, 2009 will be expected to comply with the full set of rules for travel documentation. After this date, the only acceptable travel documents for cruises will be a US passport, a passport card, and limited forms of government-issued identification plus citizenship confirmation documents.
Some cruise ship companies have tightened their own rules regarding travel documents for cruises. A few have chosen to issue tickets only to holders of US passports or passport cards in an effort to expedite crossings and maintain security. Check with your cruise company to find out exactly what it recommends for documentation. Those who don’t have the correct travel documents for cruises may find themselves unable to board or disembark or even to return home in a timely manner.
In anticipation of the implementation of the final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the US government is urging all Americans who have not done so to apply for a US passport. While no further changes have been made to travel documentation requirements, there is speculation that a US passport may one day be a standard form of personal identification. Many countries, particularly in Europe and the UK currently require a passport for all types of travel, including domestic flights, and for checking into hotels. Experts feel that its logical that the US will someday follow suit in a worldwide effort to maintain secure borders.
By: Jenny Schweyer
