New Passport Rules Everyone Must Have One No Exceptions

[Quicksilver]

The story so far Historically, U.S. citizens have only needed a birth certificate and driver’s license to travel to Mexico and most Caribbean countries. But in April 2005, the federal government announced new, stricter requirements as part of its efforts to strengthen border security.

In a nutshell, the new rules stated that all travelers — including home-bound U.S. citizens — would need a passport to enter the U.S. from the aforementioned destinations, starting in January 2007. (Going away, it seems, isn’t the issue; it’s getting back in.)

Not surprisingly, the travel industry was none too pleased. There would be chaos, they claimed, as people scrambled to comply in time, or worse, canceled their trips due to the added expense. On October 4, their prayers were answered (well, some, anyway) when the president signed off on a partial deadline extension.

• U.S. makes changes to passport rules
Oct. 10: The "Today" show's Ann Curry talks with the show's travel editor, Peter Greenberg, about Americans needing to carry passports to travel to Canada, Mexico, and other countries.
Today show

Barring additional changes, it breaks down like this: If you’re planning on visiting Mexico or the Caribbean and traveling by air, you will need a passport to get back into the U.S. beginning January 8, 2007. If you’re traveling by land or sea, however, you can go without until June 2009. In other words, if you’re cruising to Cozumel, bon voyage; if you’re flying to Barbados without a passport, you may experience a few bumps on the flight back home. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15208640/

[motordavid]

Good advice and it's real simple:

If any of you don't have a PP, do the paper
chase and get one. (It takes 6+ weeks sometimes,
these days to get it back; expedited service in big
metro areas for big bucks, is available.)

Not really any excuse not to have one, imo...
go get one.
BR,mD

[noncom23]

So if your here illegaly, don't leave, right?

[hayaku]

yep.. my kids are having to get one right now as well, as we travel to mexico several times a year

[E61Silver]

Here I thought you were talking about a passport radar detectors an it rules IE its great. Thank for the information in any case.

[Quicksilver]

You don't need one to come to WestfestIV.

Originally Posted by x54.4blue

Here I thought you were talking about a passport radar detectors an it rules IE its great. Thank for the information in any case.

[Bavarian]

This really is no big deal. Your border rules are simply closer to the standard. Most other developed countries require a passport regardless from what country you are returning from. It's only logical if you think about it...

[JV]

USVI & P.R. will be the only Caribbean destination US citizens don't need a passport to fly into or out of.

Incidentally, any of you who visit DC can get a passport next day at the passport office, just bring required docs with you. The office is at 19th and L streets, NW.

JV

[Quicksilver]

No big deal for the rest of the world i agree but were talking about the good ole US of A. Just think about. That's why Peter Greenberg said only 30% of US citizens have em. And their kids? Parents don't have a clue about what's coming. I can see it now

Originally Posted by Bavarian

This really is no big deal. Your border rules are simply closer to the standard. Most other developed countries require a passport regardless from what country you are returning from. It's only logical if you think about it...

[Thunder22]

The backlog on passport requests is going to be enormous.... get in line early my friends, this is going to be interesting to watch.