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Effective June 1, 2009 the travel rules to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, and Mexico have changed.
All U.S. citizens are now required to hold a U.S. passport, or equivalent documentation, for any travel outside the United States. The aforementioned countries will no longer accept a driver’s license or birth certificate as proof of citizenship.
“Equivalent” documentation includes U.S. Passport Cards and Trusted Traveler Program Cards.
Passport Cards are issued by the Department of Homeland Security as limited use wallet-sized passports. They are only valid at land route or seaport entry points (not airports) between the United States, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico.
Traveler Program Cards are currently FAST, NEXUS, and SENTRI.
The time to get a passport is now
There are exceptions to the new rules, but it is time for everyone to own a passport. Travel is always unpredictable, and you may want to enter a country that is not on your itinerary for pleasure – or need to enter because of an emergency, diversion, missed ship or aircraft. Without a passport, the experience is never pleasant.
The process to acquire a passport can take up to six weeks, and – if you need one in a hurry – there is a fee for expedited handling and delivery.
Another good reason to apply for a passport today is so you can be ready to take advantage of all those last minute cruise and vacation bargains – that is, if you can manage to slip away from work.
Happy Travels.
AP Photos - Damian Dovarganes and Victor Calzada
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