New Passport Laws and Information You Should Know
If you will be flying in the upcoming months, you need to make sure you understand the current passport laws. Recently, a number of passport laws have changed, and if you are not prepared with the proper documentation, you might not be able to board your flight. Before you head to the airport, or even book your flight, make sure you talk to an airline representative about your flight's rules and regulations regarding passports. Passports are important for travelers because this document allows you to enter a foreign country or even reenter your own. Passport laws have changed recently and below are important laws you should know regarding passports.
Passport laws changed drastically in recent years. Although passport laws were always strict, today, they are even more restraining. That does not mean that you should let these laws hold you back from traveling internationally. That just means you need to be fully aware of these laws and other passport regulations so that you are not stuck at the gate before you can even board your flight.
One of the most commonly misunderstood laws is where you need a passport. You do not need a passport to travel within the United States, including islands like Hawaii and Puerto Rico. However, starting in 2008, all travelers to Canada and Mexico need to be carrying passports. You do not always need these passports to travel out of the country, but without proper documentation, you will not be able to get back into the country. This law helps control who enters and exits the country.
In addition, starting in 2008, you need a passport to travel to the Caribbean, unless you are traveling to one of the United States territories. Even if you are on a cruise ship run by a United States company, you need a passport. Most cruise ships dock at international ports, and if you wish to exit the ship for a day excursion, you may need to show your passport and other identification to get back on the ship. Make sure you fully understand the rules of your cruise before exiting the ship.
If you are planning to travel outside the country, but do not currently have a passport, the law requires that you apply for this passport at least six weeks before your travel date. However, the recent heightened demand for passports has made getting this documentation a lot more difficult than it was in the past. Some travelers are finding that it takes ten weeks or more to receive their passport, and unfortunately, may people have had to cancel their travel plans because of late passports. If you need a passport, it is important to apply for one at least 12 weeks in advance, giving yourself plenty of time to receive it. If you do not have that kind of time, you can apply for expedited services, but this is much more expensive and it still takes at least four weeks to get your passport in most cases.
Currently, passports are necessary to travel everywhere in Europe. Because of illegal immigrants and international threat, many countries in Europe are considering requiring United States citizens to also apply for visas. The visas are extra security on top of passports, helping these European countries track visitors. Right now, all you need is a passport, but this may slowly change over the next few years. If you are planning a trip to Europe, make sure you have a passport and make sure to ask your travel agent about visa requirements.
Passport laws require that you carry this documentation even if you are traveling by land or sea. Until recently, certain countries, like Canada and Aruba, only required United States citizens to carry passports if they were flying into the country, and even then, rules were lax. However, since this time, you now need a passport, even if you are driving or taking a boat to any foreign country in North America. Passports are usually checked when you enter the other country, and they are always checked when you re-enter the United States. Do not risk being stuck in a foreign country because you did not take your passport!
When in doubt, it is simply a good idea to carry a passport with you. In foreign countries, sometimes passports are the only acceptable form of identification for tourists who want to enter bars, casinos, and other such venues. Getting a passport is inexpensive, and as long as you apply at least 12 weeks ahead of time, there should be no problems receiving your documentation in enough time for your flight. If you are unsure about the law, talk to your airline or a travel agent, and they can help you learn more about passport requirements in the United States and around the world.
