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U.S. Citizen Passport Requirement
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) once fully implemented
will require all travelers entering or reentering the United States to
be in the possession of a valid passport.
Anticipated Implementation
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October 1, 2007 - The departments of State and Homeland
Security reestablished the valid passport requirements for air
travel. Valid passports are required for air travel to / from
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. |
U.S. lawful permanent residents will continue to be able to use their
Alien Registration Card (Form I-551) issued by the Department of
Homeland Security or other valid evidence of permanent residence status
to apply for entry to the United States.
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As early as Summer 2008 - A valid passport will be required for
all sea and air travel. And subject to U.S. Government amendment,
U.S. and Canadian citizens 15 or younger with their parents consent
may cross the U.S./Canadian border by land or sea with a certified
copy of their birth certificate. |
Until that time |
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Sea Travel Only
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For domestic travel which includes: the Bahamas, Bermuda,
Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, a passport (valid or expired) is
highly recommended. |
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In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or
certified copy), plus laminated picture ID card issued by a federal,
state, or local government agency is required. Note: Baptismal
papers and hospital certificates of birth (except for new borns) are
not acceptable. |
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For U.S. Naturalized citizens, in the absence of a passport,
Naturalization papers (either original or notarized copy) plus a
picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government
agency is required. |
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A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not
considered to be proof of citizenship. |
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Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture
ID. |
International Travel
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A valid passport is required; visas are required where they
apply. This includes Europe, Asia, Central and South America. |
For additional passport information visit
U.S. Department of State. Or if you prefer, contact
Passport Express for applications and assistance. |
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Non-U.S. Citizens
You will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. If you
live in the U.S., you will also need your original Alien Registration
Card (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documentation the countries on
your itinerary require due to your alien status.
Canadian Landed Immigrants
All Canadian Landed Immigrants (inclusive of those who are citizens of
the British Commonwealth countries) who reside in Canada must have valid
passports and US visas. Also required is your original Permanent
Resident Card (PR Card) formally the IMM 1000 or with respect to any
country on the itinerary any other travel documentation required because
of alien status.
Visas
Please contact the Embassy (Consular Services) of each country on your
sailing itinerary or the visa service of your choice for specific visa
requirements, information, forms and fees for your nationality.
Visa Waiver Program
Citizens from the Visa Waiver Program countries of: 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 seeking to
enter the United States will be required to have in their possession a
machine readable passport with a digital photograph valid for
the duration of the voyage.
A machine readable passport is one having an alpha-numeric code on the
bottom of the picture page. Example:
P<<UKDOE<<JOHN<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<1234567890M1234567890M1234567890<1234567890
Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving in the U.S. on or after
October 26, 2005 with passports issued on or after this date
must present passports with a digital photograph.
Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving in the U.S. on or after
October 26, 2006 with passports issued on or after that date
must present a biometric passport or obtain a visa for entry into the
United States.
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