Passports Help
Obtaining a passport can be a long process and requires two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license. You may also need foreign visas for travel depending on your destination.
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries.
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New Rules for Passports Changes are planned for U.S. Passports and the laws regulating their use. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and State have announced initiatives designed to strengthen border security in the U.S. and subsequently require more travelers to obtain passports.
As of December 31, 2006, passports will be required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States via air or sea, regardless of destination. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all citizens of the U.S., Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico to have a passport or other accepted secure documentation to enter or re-enter the United States.
Passports will be required as follows:
- December 31, 2005 For all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.
- December 31, 2006 For all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.
- December 31, 2007 For all air, sea and land border crossings.
The Department of Homeland Security answers frequently asked questions regarding the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative online.
PASSPORTS UPDATE AS OF 06/08/07
U.S. CITIZENS WITH PENDING PASSPORT APPLICATIONS ALLOWED TEMPORARY TRAVEL FLEXIBILITY WITHIN WESTERN HEMISPHERE
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced today that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can nevertheless temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007. The federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was mandated by Congress in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for citizens and legitimate international visitors. WHTI requirements for air travel took effect on January 23, 2007.
Adults who have applied for but not yet received a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State. Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child’s proof of application. Travelers who have not applied for a passport should not expect to be accommodated. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov.
This accommodation does not affect entry requirements to other countries. Americans traveling to a country that requires passports must still present those documents.
Depending on the country and the specific region of the country you are visiting, the purpose of your visit, and the duration of your stay, certain vaccinations and other precautions against disease may be appropriate. Contact the CDC or your family physician for specific recommendations regarding health concerns.
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Useful Travel Links
Centers for Disease Control
United States Department of State
United States Department of State Registration Home Page
World Health Organization
Directory of U.S. Embassies & Consulates
