Do I Need A Passport?

Along with all of the changes for homeland security one of the confusing points has become the passport issue. Yes, aside travel within the US and her territories, you could travel to several Caribbean islands, Mexico and Canada with only valid picture ID. Unfortunately, these days have passed.

By June 2009 all travel outside of the US and her territories will require a full passport. Until then you can still travel on a limited basis if you are on a cruise which begins and ends in the same US port. These cruises are limited to Caribbean travel.

In the spring of 2008, the US Passport agency created a limited passport card and another document called a WHTI compliant document. The WHTI is limited for travel to the Caribbean region, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda.

The WHTI document applies to the following as of January 2008:

• Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
  State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available)
  Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
  U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
  U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
  Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
  Form I-872 American Indian Card

Passport card applications are currently being accepted in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. Based on current projections, expectation is to begin production of the passport card in June, and be in full production in July. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards.

Of course the options are just as confusing as the new passport regulations! What did you expect? If you want to make your life easy, apply for a full passport. Your passport will last onger than a gallon of milk. For adults, your passport will last ten years. It is well worth the investment if you are planning to travel. Passports for children need to be renewed more often, but still well worth the investment.

Now that the passport crush has passed, processing time for new passports is between 4 - 6 weeks. Renewals are down to 3 - 4 weeks. You can now apply for a new passport easily at a convenient passport acceptance center. Many are located at a post office near you.

For more information about passports and to download applications, visit the official Passport website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html