New US Passport Regulations

I'll bet you cannot wait to travel this summer! The winter blues are setting in. Are you full prepared to travel?

If you are planning to travel outside of the United States you better have your passport ready. As of June 1, 2009 the full Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will be implemented. So, what does this mean to you?

For any travel outside the boundaries of the United State will demand a valid US Passport for all American citizens. If you are planning travel to a US territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, etc) or to Alaska you will need a passport if you enter the area via a non-American country. To be more clear, if you are flying to Alaska with a flight through Canada or returning from Alaska through Canada, you must have a passport.

The passport rules apply to all travel, both land and sea. Up to now, passports were not required for many cruises originating and returning to American ports. Also, some cruise lines require your passport to have at least six months before the expiration date remaining on your passport. So check your passport for your expiration date.

Many of us remember the debacle for getting a passport in the first phase of this initiative. Lines were long and the wait for passports even longer leaving some people without a passport at home. Don't get caught! Apply for your passport now, even if you are just thinking about travel. The passport is valid for 10 years, so get it done while now before the rush.

The rules are a bit different for children. U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. However, it is much easier passage if they have passports as well. I strongly recommend a passport for children.

To apply for your passport or for more information please go to:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738_2.html