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 ‘Travel Travel’
Do I Need a US Passport For Air Travel?
April 12th, 2010Travel Books – Compilation of Accurate Travel Information
March 25th, 2010
The travel books are a wonderful means of gaining information about travel, travel routes and other travel related information. These books really act as a virtual guide for people who are true aspirants of tour and travel. Travel books give a detailed information of the various routes available for visiting a place and the means to commute.
These books normally concentrate on a particular place or destination. However, there are also categories that give a broad coverage of destinations. Such coverage include a number of places in one region. But whenever the travel books give coverage to one place, it is detailed information about the tourist spots. So, the tourists are absolutely kept alert about the tour package for touring a place. This is absolutely convenient for people as they can now avail the right services for they are in full knowledge about the do’s and do not’s after reading the travel related books.
The travel books are meant to provide an itinerary to travelers aspiring to travel to several destinations of the world. The travel literature is a genre in itself. These books document the travel literature and store them as a knowledge pool for people to get the right kind of information. The books are incorporated with fascinating pictures of tourist destinations and places. These pictures give viewers a through understanding and the readers get a glimpse of a place before visiting it. The unique and informative content make tourists fall in love with a place. It is only then that they decide to visit the place during their vacations or holidays.
Some of the best examples of travel books are lonely Planet, Rick Steves, Moon Handbooks, Michelin, Eyewitness Guides and more. These books give complete information about a destination. Tour packages are compiled to help tourists choose the most suitable travel package keeping in mind the time in their hand. People find it very convenient for it acts as a capsule that gives complete information about tourist destinations on earth. So, it is recommended that tourists read such books before taking up tour to a place.
By: Alden Jerry
Travel Insurance To Cover Medical Needs
October 17th, 2009
Even though there are many reasons to purchase travel insurance, many people do not feel they need it when traveling in their country or origin or when traveling overseas. But if an emergency does occur, your medical insurance may not cover all of your expenses. This means you will have to pay the remainder, which could be thousands of dollars. If you can afford to make these types of payments, then you may not need additional insurance, but if you are on a fixed budget, you may need to purchase insurance for business and vacation travel.
Travel insurance can be purchased through companies that specialize in providing travelers with the insurance they need. Before signing a policy, read over it carefully and research the company to make sure they have a good reputation. If the coverage is not enough, you may be able to upgrade to another plan. You can opt for long term or short term insurance plans that allow you to be covered for a certain amount of time. For those who travel abroad often, long term plans may be more cost effective.
After finding a plan that meets your needs, make sure you pack all contact information and have it readily available in case of an emergency. Even if you need to cancel your trip or postpone it, you can use the insurance to avoid paying additional fees. When planning an expensive cruise or vacation, having this insurance will allow you to retrieve your deposit and help you cover any other costs.
Investing in travel insurance is a smart idea if you plan on staying in another country for an extended period of time. Students studying abroad, those traveling for business, or those who have family in another country, can purchase annual insurance policies that cover them for a longer period of time. In case of an emergency, they can provide proof of health coverage and be treated quickly.
By: Kurt A. Schefken
