Not another column on passports! How many times can you tell people they need a passport to travel outside the United States? Apparently, it still hasn’t sunk in. Of course, it doesn’t help when the government keeps changing the rules.The final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative went into effect June 1, 2009. It very clearly states that U.S. citizens must present a passport book, a passport card or another document approved by the U.S. government when entering the United States by land or by sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
I’m not sure if it was the cruise companies or the cruise passengers that complained the loudest, but a tiny loophole was created. U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present government-issued photo identification (i.e. a drivers license,, along with proof of citizenship such as an original copy of his or her birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization.
This type of cruise is called a closed-loop cruise. So, for all you cruisers who love the three-, four- and seven-day cruises to Mexico out of Los Angeles or a short hop to the Bahamas out of Miami, or even a Canadian cruise (as long as it comes to the same port in the U.S.) have a temporary reprieve. However, keep in mind that you could be refused entrance into a foreign country without a passport card or a passport book. And, if there is an emergency and you need to fly back to the U.S., you will not be permitted to board the plane without a passport.
One day the government is really going to mean what it says--all U. S. citizens will need to have a passport if they plan to travel to foreign lands, including Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Save yourself a headache-- apply for a passport, or at least a passport card if you frequently go to Mexico or Canada. According to Ann at the passport office on Brookside, it is now taking four to six weeks to get a passport. A rush order takes two to three weeks. If you want to plan a trip or it’s an emergency and you need to depart within 14 days, you can make an appointment at the Los Angeles Passport Office (1-877-487-2778.) You will need proof you are leaving the country such as an airline ticket or trip itinerary. If you are really desperate you can contact a private company that will walk your application through, usually the same day. Be prepared to pay dearly for that service.
There are also some updated requirements for children and groups. Children under 16, who are U.S. citizens entering the U.S. by land or by sea from “contiguous territory” (Mexico or Canada,) may present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or a Canadian citizenship card.
Children under 19 traveling in groups, including school groups, religious groups, social or cultural organizations or sports teams, who are entering the U.S. by land or by sea from contiguous territory may present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or a Canadian citizenship card. Hopefully no one will need to fly back to the U.S. because without a passport, they will not be able to board a flight. These new regulations only apply when entering or leaving the U.S. by land or by sea.
Last week my article was about Redlands Travel Service moving from its present location on West State Street. I received several phone calls from clients who don’t own computers and still prefer to use a telephone or meet face to face. That’s great. Our phone numbers will not change and I always enjoy meeting with clients. You will receive the same personalized service plus enjoy the benefits of being affiliated with Travel of America. Between my computer and my cell phone, I can always be reached.
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