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What do Caribbean destinations have in common with Canada, Mexico, and Central and
South America? All those destinations require U.S. Citizens to present a valid passport
upon entry now.
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling
by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America,
the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS
card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card,
Form I-551, if applicable.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning
directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory
are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport.
U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,
American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
According to the United States State Department:
“The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires the
Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to develop and implement
a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike, to present
a passport or other document, or a combination of documents, that denote identity
and citizenship when entering the United States. Congress amended portions of the
Act in 2006. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is the Administration’s
proposed plan to implement this mandate.
“The goal of the Initiative is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry
into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing
standardized, secure and reliable documentation which will allow the Department
of Homeland Security to quickly, reliably and accurately identify a traveler.”
 What
does this mean for travelers? A little more paperwork in some cases. But some vacation
destinations are taking advantage of the situation in unexpected ways. For example,
you don’t need a passport to travel to a U.S. Territory... this means visiting destinations
like Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands doesn’t involve as much red
tape. Places like the Tourism Department of Aruba are offering
“perks” for new passport holders like hotel discounts for travelers
who make Aruba their inaugural stamp.
Fodor’s Travel Online reports that there are still substantial waits for new passports
so be sure to get your application in early. There are several thousand locations
across the country where you can apply for a passport - most US Post Offices have
these facilities, or know where to point you. Many federal, state, and probate courts
also provide this service. For complete information, visit the web site of the
U.S. State Department
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