New timing for Passport Requirements for US Citizens

[Ned]

These are the rules as of January 8, 2007, as I understand them for US citizens entering the US from Canada or Mexico, Central and South American, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Enter the US by Land from Canada or Mexico: Government Issued photo ID (State Driver's Licence or State Non-Driver's ID) plus Birth Certificate required.
Enter the US by Ferry from Canada: Government photo Issued ID (State Driver's Licence or State Non-Driver's ID) plus Birth Certificate required.
Enter the US by Cruise Ship from Canada or Mexico: Passport Required.
Enter the US by Airplane from Canada or Mexico: Passport Required.
Enter the US by Air or Sea travel from Central and South America: Passport Required.
Enter the US by Air or Sea travel from the Carribbean and Bermuda: Passport Required.
As of the rules and regulations today, starting June 1, 2009, all entry to the US by US Citizens from Canada or Mexico into the US will require a passport, however, the Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the government of Canada is looking at alternate methods of identification at the border. Apparently, the Department of Homeland Security is not currently working with government of Mexico on this issue, but also apparently, anything worked out with Canada will also be applied to Mexico.

According to Canadian Press, the delay of the passport requirement, until June 1, 2009 for US citizens, entering the US, via land or ferry from Canada, also applies to Canadian citizens entering the US by land or ferry. There doesn't appear to be a similar delay for Mexican citizens, as there is no report of the same for them.

My advice to all US citizens who are departing the US starting today, and plan to return anytime next year, and certainly on after January 8, 2007, by ship or plane, is to make sure you have your valid passport with you when returning to the US, or expect one hell of a problem when you arrive.

I wouldn't expect the Department of Homeland Security (TSA, CBP, USCIS) to be forgiving of a lack of passport, based on the past experience of travelers interacting with them. I would also expect, based on TSA's lack of consistent application of their own rules, that you may start to have trouble returning to the US as early as January 1, 2007, without a valid passport. As the old adage says, "Better to be safe than sorry."

[stephen_s]

Question:

What happens if a person wasn' born in the States but is a naturalized citizen. For argument's sake, let's say he was born in London but has a US Passport? His birth certificate will say London.

[deangreenhoe]

Then he/she just uses the passport. The birth certificate exception is only for those who do not have a passport.

[stephen_s]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(deangreenhoe @ Oct 2 2006, 06:17 AM) 38365</div>
Then he/she just uses the passport. The birth certificate exception is only for those who do not have a passport.
[/b]

Thanks, Dean, but, according to the above, if you are entering by land (Driving) or by Ferry, you need a government ID plus a birth certificate, so that was the reason for my question.

[jfrenaye]

I would suggest that a passport trumps all other forms of identity even for a land crossing. They are not looking for licences to drive, but nationalities and authority to enter.

[jimtbay]

I believe all should have a passport handy. When you want to leave the US for that last minute getaway to Canada or Mexico, you are prepared. No need for birth certificates and other loose papers that can be easily lost.

[bravestar]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ned @ Oct 1 2006, 11:17 AM) 38299</div>
As of the rules and regulations today, starting June 1, 2009, all entry to the US by US Citizens from Canada or Mexico into the US will require a passport, however, the Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the government of Canada is looking at alternate methods of identification at the border. Apparently, the Department of Homeland Security is not currently working with government of Mexico on this issue, but also apparently, anything worked out with Canada will also be applied to Mexico.
[/b]

Could you possibly cite a source that details the deadline being moved to 2009, from 2008? I'm having trouble verifying that info.

[Ned]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bravestar @ Oct 2 2006, 12:37 PM) 38400</div>
Could you possibly cite a source that details the deadline being moved to 2009, from 2008? I'm having trouble verifying that info.
[/b]
Take a look at the CNN.com article, Border Security Plan Delayed (http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/09/27/security.spending.ap/index.html).

The delay is not on the US State Department web site yet, because President Bush has not signed the bill into law as of this moment. He has said he will absolutely sign the bill into law. The bill is the one which authorizes the overall $34.8 billion spending plan for the Homeland Security Department.

Regardless, the land travel requirement for passport use between the US and Canada and the US and Mexico wasn't to go into effect until December 31, 2007, anyway. So, you're safe to cross these borders for now, with only your Government issued Photo ID, plus birth certificate if you're a US Citizen, born in the US.

As of January 8, 2007 US Citizens will still need a US Passport to reenter the US if traveling by air or sea from Canada or Mexico. That provision of the existing law was not delayed.

[bravestar]

Thanks, Ned! I was a little confused as it wasn't to the State Dept.'s website.

[Ned]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bravestar @ Oct 2 2006, 03:17 PM) 38439</div>
Thanks, Ned! I was a little confused as it wasn't to the State Dept.'s website.
[/b]
Always a pleasure B.

[stacynan]

TIA, the Travel Industry Association, members met with Congress yesterday. Here is their report:

http://www.tia.org/resources/PDFs/Gov_affa...ive_Victory.pdf (http://www.tia.org/resources/PDFs/Gov_affairs/WHTI_Legislative_Victory.pdf)

It states that CRUISE and LAND border travel could see the passport or new PASS card requirement beginning at some point in 2008 or 2009
---------------------------

The US. Dept of State website still shows no current update! I emailed them and asked them to please keep that site current of any new announcement or changes. The travel industry community relies on that site for the most current and up-to-date requirements. Unless it's in there, the changes are not set in stone (IMHO).

[wrp96]

I post on Cruise Critic alot and they posted that the date was changed over the weekend relying on a press release from the International Cruise Line Association. Since then there have been a lot of people with cruises in January posting that they are so happy since they don't have to get a passport now. We're having a hard time explaining to them that until it shows up on travel.state.gov the date hasn't changed. Unfortunately they keep coming back and referencing articles and press releases like that to show that no, they are right. I'm anticipating a large number of complaints if that date doesn't change after all.

[stacynan]

This was just posted in red on travel.state.gov passport requirement area:

October 3, 2006: This information does not reflect important changes to the WHTI expected from pending legislation. We will update this page once that legislation has been finalized.

I wonder if this was put in because of my email. Pretty cool if it was.

[Ned]

As of this morning, there are four things which are clear about the delay of the WHTI passport requirement.

First, there is a ton of misinformation and pure speculation surrounding what's actually in the bill passed by the Senate and House.

Second, the bill passed is not yet law as it has not been signed as of this moment, by President Bush. As a result there is no definitive information yet available from the US Department of State.

Third, we know that the passport requirement for US Citizens reentering the US from anywhere, via air, has not been delayed and that if you're returning to the US by air, you will need your passport as of January 8, 2007.

Fourth, we know that the passport requirement for US Citizens rentering the US from Canada or Mexico via land, has been delayed for now.

I have read news reports from about 15 or so sources now, and as far a cruise travel goes, the news sources are split into a variety of positions. In fact, with every new news report I read on this issue, the information gets muddier and muddier. It would appear, in my opinion, that we're just going to have to wait until the State Department tells us what was actually in the bill.

[deangreenhoe]

It would appear, in my opinion, that we're just going to have to wait until the State Department tells us what was actually in the bill.
[/b]

...and in the meantime, just get a stupid passport because ya never know what's next. :lol:

Honestly, we've been through this over and over. Having what's always been the recommended document in your possession (as opposed to the minimum exception) is the only insurance against getting burned by this ridiculous political wrangling.

Did that sound cranky enough? :rolleyes:

[Ned]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(deangreenhoe @ Oct 3 2006, 03:57 PM) 38600</div>
...and in the meantime, just get a stupid passport because ya never know what's next. :lol:

Honestly, we've been through this over and over. Having what's always been the recommended document in your possession (as opposed to the minimum exception) is the only insurance against getting burned by this ridiculous political wrangling.

Did that sound cranky enough? :rolleyes:
[/b]
Crank enough?...yep. ;)

In my opinion, the right advice?...you betcha! B)

[bravestar]

I seriously am having a hard time understanding why people are so deadset against getting a passport.

One of the older agents in my office told me it has to do with the cost of the passports, times how many family members you're going. Like, a family of four it'll be close to $400 additional on top of travel fees.

Is that the only reason they're anti-passport? I mean, they're good for 10 years. Pay it now, and then you're okay until 2016. To me, that's worth $400.

[bodega]

I also do not get it. I have one family member that would be one of those complainers, if she were to ever travel outside of her immediate town. With what she spends on cigarettes and her 2-3 visits a week to the local bar, she could pay for the passport in less than a month. We all have what is important to us and I want that passport in case George Clooney ever invites me to his Lake Como villa. I want to be prepared to leave tonight :P

[Ned]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bravestar @ Oct 3 2006, 05:04 PM) 38611</div>
I seriously am having a hard time understanding why people are so deadset against getting a passport.

One of the older agents in my office told me it has to do with the cost of the passports, times how many family members you're going. Like, a family of four it'll be close to $400 additional on top of travel fees.

Is that the only reason they're anti-passport? I mean, they're good for 10 years. Pay it now, and then you're okay until 2016. To me, that's worth $400.
[/b]
I'll give you an example of the problem, but at the same time I will say that I favor the use of a passport over the proposed "short-cut" IDs.

There are many people who live on the northern border of the US, who travel to Canada often, many several times per week. Detroiters go to Winsor through the D&W Tunnel constantly. When they get to Winsor they purchase all manner of things, duty free. We're not talking about rich travelers, we're talking about everyday people, working class people, who don't have a lot of money at any one time. They've been using their driver's licences and birth certificates for years and they don't want to spend more to cross the Detroit River. I think it's that simple.

Most could afford a passport for each member of the family, but they don't want to spend the money. They've got a lot of people somewhat fearsome that they're going to stop traveling across the border and businesses will be hurt, and jobs lost, if a low cost alternative to the passport isn't put into action for land crossings between the US and its immediate northern and southern neighbors.

The cruise industry is worried for short cruises to nowhere or Bermuda, Bahamas, Caribbean which start and stop in the US will be emptied by people who don't want the hassle of getting a passport. Frankly, if you're going to spend the bucks to take even a short cruise, I find it hard to believe that a passport requirement will stop anyone.

These two groups have, in my humble opinion, bamboozled the US Congress into this delay and its push for a cheap alternative to a passport for some types of travel. If it were me in Congress, I'd keep the passport requirement, and push to stop the State Department from charging far too much for it. In my opinion, it shouldn't cost more than $50 for the 10 years.

[weblet]

Here's the latest from ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents):



Passport Requirements, WHTI UPDATE

On Sept. 29, Congress passed language to extend the deadline for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Here_s what the extension means for passport requirements for U.S. citizens:

WHAT'S THE SAME ...

Air Travel

Passport Deadline: Jan. 8, 2007
U.S. citizens will be required to have a valid passport for exiting and reentering the United States starting Jan. 8, 2007 for all air travel.

WHAT'S CHANGED ...

Sea and Land Border Entry Ports

Passport/PASS Card Deadline: June 1, 2009

U.S. citizens traveling by sea and land within the Western Hemisphere _ Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico _ will be required to have a valid U.S. passport or a yet-to-be-determined, new economical travel document known as a Passport Card on or before June l, 2009.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Congress stipulated that the Departments of State and Homeland Security must meet seven criteria in developing and implementing the PASS card for sea and land ports of entry. If the seven criteria are met within the 17 month extension period, the implementation of WHTI becomes effective three months after the criteria is approved, or by June 1, 2009; whichever is earlier. In other words, the June 1, 2009 implementation date for WHTI may be moved back if the agencies can comply with the seven specifications set out by the Congress in the extension legislation.

The U.S. Department of State_s Office of Passport Services reports that 70 million U.S. citizens now have passports. U.S. Passport Services is receiving 225,000-250,000 passport applications a week, which is up 60 percent from two years ago. The current turn around period for obtaining a U.S. passport remains at four to six weeks. ASTA continues to urge all U.S. citizens to apply for a U.S. passport, which will ease travelers confusion on what document is required and when.[/b]

[Ned]

Another voice has been heard from on the price issue of passports.

"A major crisis has been averted," said Jim Santini, legislative counsel for the National Tour Association (NTA). "This is a great victory for North American tourism.

NTA had been claiming that there would be possible major disruptions in student travel because many of them are unlikely to have passports, with the cost prohibitive for many young travelers. NTA and its industry partners have been challenging the passport mandate saying its would disrupt cross-border travel in return for negligible security gain.

Personally I don't buy the argument. Existing governmental identification, as well as birth certificates, other than passports are incredibly easy to forge. The use of the passport would therefore enhance border security.

Furthermore, as many posters have already said, the cost of a passport is $97 up front, or effectively $9.70 per year. I don't think it's a matter of US citizens not being able to afford a passport as much as they just don't feel like spending the money. I agree that the passport is over-priced, but it's barely more than the cost of a couple cartons of cigarettes, to put it in perspective. How many times have you seen a student walking out of the local 7-11 with a couple of cartons of cigarettes? For me it's been plenty of times.

If someone really wants to travel outside the country, I don't think obtaining a passport is going to stop anyone. The student travel cost argument nonsense is just that. How many students do their travel to the Caribbean by Cruise Ship (If they travel by plane they still need that passport.)? Also I would submit, that while students would tend to drive to Canada or Mexico, the cost of a $97 passport wasn't going to stop them.

Have you even been to Florida during spring break. Students spend more than $100 on booze alone during spring break. Congress has been bamboozled again. They are such easy targets that it's pathetic.

[bravestar]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ned @ Oct 4 2006, 08:06 AM) 38652</div>
If someone really wants to travel outside the country, I don't think obtaining a passport is going to stop anyone. The student travel cost argument nonsense is just that. How many students do their travel to the Caribbean by Cruise Ship (If they travel by plane they still need that passport.)? Also I would submit, that while students would tend to drive to Canada or Mexico, the cost of a $97 passport wasn't going to stop them.[/b]
I agree. I had my first international trip since 1989 last May, and I knew I would have to get a renewed passport. Since it had been a long time since my old one expired, I had to re-apply as if I had never had one before.

Sure, the $97 (and I paid $60 extra for the expedited option) hurt my budget, but, c'mon. No passport = no Europe trip. And, like Ned said, it's less than $10.00 per year for the next 10 years. I'm sickened by the way people think about things, and knew this was coming when the rumblings started. They were blasting about the changes to the passport requirements for TWO YEARS and it wasn't until recently someone started complaining about having to pay for it.

Excuse my sour grapes this morning, but if you don't want to pay for it, you don't deserve to go outside the country.

[wrp96]

One thing, passports for kids only last 5 years and are not much less than the adult passports, so it isn't as great a deal as it is for adults.

Personally, if a family wants to travel they just need to budget the cost of the passport into their travel expenses, just like airfare, hotels, food, tips, extras, etc.

And I don't see the passport requirement slowing down student travel. Most college students either don't have the money to travel at all. The ones that do usually have enough money to be able to afford a passport as well. It may cut back on drunken spring break trips to Mexico, but hey the State Department's been warning against those for years anyways.

[Ned]

On October 4th, President Bush signed the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, H.R. 5441 at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Presumably, the State Department web site will reflect the new Passport rules soon, now that the bill has been passed. The President didn't mention anything about the new Passport rule changes in his address (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/10/20061004-2.html) when he signed the bill.

[Ned]

Barring further changes, these are the rules as of January 8, 2007, as I now understand them for US citizens entering the US from Canada or Mexico, Central and South American, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The State Department still has yet to post the new rules from the legislation passed by Congress and signed by the President more than a week ago. I will post any other changes once the State Department posts the new requirements on their web site, however, I wanted to post what most experts now believe the requirement to be. Enter the US by Land from Canada or Mexico: Government Issued photo ID (State Driver's Licence or State Non-Driver's ID) plus Birth Certificate required.
Enter the US by Ferry from Canada: Government photo Issued ID (State Driver's Licence or State Non-Driver's ID) plus Birth Certificate required.
Enter the US by Cruise Ship from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean: Government photo Issued ID (State Driver's Licence or State Non-Driver's ID) plus Birth Certificate required.
Enter the US by Air from any country: Passport Required.
Enter the US by Air or Sea travel from Central and South America: Passport Required.
Enter the US by Sea from anywhere other than Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean: Passport Required.
In the above instances where a Government Issued photo ID (State Driver's Licence or State Non-Driver's ID) plus Birth Certificate is required, this requirement is for native born US Citizens only. Naturalized US Citizens need to substitute their Naturalization Certificate for the birth certificate.
As per the new rules and regulations which go into effect on January 8, 2007, starting June 1, 2009, all entry to the US by US Citizens from anywhere in the world, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, into the US, will require your US Passport.

According to Canadian Press, the delay of the passport requirement, until June 1, 2009 for US citizens, entering the US, via land or ferry from Canada, also applies to Canadian citizens entering the US by land or ferry. There doesn't appear to be a similar delay for Mexican citizens, as there is no report of the same for them.

The Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the government of Canada, and other neighbor governments, is looking at potential alternate methods of identification at the border for future use. Whether or not this new form of ID will ever come to pass is a very large question. Many are saying this idea smacks of a "national ID card" and many groups, as well as many in Congress, are fighting this new form of ID "tooth and nail."

It is my personal opinion, that if you plan to travel outside this country, other than to Canada or Mexico via land, that you get a passport, and get it now. Frankly, even if you don't plan to reenter the country by air, I would caution you to get a passport.

Here's a couple clear examples of why any US Citizen traveling outside the US after January 8, 2007 shouldn't leave home without their US Passport. My neighbor Mel and his friend took a Caribbean cruise a couple of years ago. About halfway through the cruise, Mel's friend had a heart attack. After being stabilized, Mel and his friend flew back to the US, where his friend ended up having surgery. (The two are planning another cruise for next year.) My other example, is if your cruise ship becomes disabled, as we have seen happen in the last few years, the cruise line may fly you back to the US. In both of these examples, after January 8, 2007, you will need your US Passport to reenter the country. The point of these examples is that you may have no intention of reentering the US by air, but circumstances may demand it. While the extenuating circumstances of these examples will undoubtedly allow you back in the US, there will probably be a significant delay when you try to reenter, a great deal of angst, possibly serious attorney fees, and a very large fine.

If you have a passport, you have the ultimate travel citizenship ID, and need not worry about identification to reenter the US from any country in the world, via any mode of transportation.

[wrp96]

Well they just updated the State Department's Website. Here is the new timeline as of this afternoon:

On January 8, 2007, U.S. citizens traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid U.S. passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

It is anticipated that on January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), will be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes may permit a later deadline, both the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to put all requirements in place by the original deadline. Advance notice will be provided to enable the public meet the land/sea border requirement.

[Ned]

As wrp96 posted, the US Department of State finally posted the new WHTI rule changes for US Citizens' required documentation to reenter the US from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

Since there is no longer speculation about the rules, I have started a new topic Documentation requirements for US Citizens reentering the US including the WHTI amendments (http://www.tripso.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9587), in order to state the new rules in their entirety.

Thanks to everyone who participated in this topic of discussion. Your input was and is greatly appreciated.

If I made a mistake in the listing of the rules, please let me know in the new topic. Thanks.