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What the new passport rule means for travel with children
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The new WHTI passport rule takes effect today.
June 1st is finally here, the first official day that “most” U.S. citizens re-entering the United States by car, train, or cruise ship will have to present a valid passport or passport card to reenter the U.S. So what does this mean for those of you traveling by land and sea with children?
Not much. According to the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) rule, children under 16 years old can still cross the border, arriving by land or by sea, with the original copy of their birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or citizenship card.
If your family will be traveling across the border very often, you might prefer the convenience of traveling with a U.S. Passport Card rather than keeping track of and protecting your child’s original birth certificate. The U.S. Passport Card is $45 for first-time adult applicants, and $35 for first-time child applicants under 16 years old.
However, those who already have a valid passport book, which is required for all travelers flying into and out of the U.S. regardless of age, may apply for the card using the renewal by mail form DS-82 and pay only $20. Everyone else, including those under the age of 16 years, must use form DS-11 and apply for the Passport Card in person.
Shelly Rivoli is the author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Planning Trips with Babies, Toddlers, and Preschool-Age Children. www.travelswithbaby.com
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