Do I need them??? YES OR NO?????

[gemjoy]

Our Disney Cruise is booked for March 4th, 2006 - March 11th 2006 ~ do we need passports or not??? HOLY CONFUSING Our local AAA office is having "passport day" on the 23rd of August (one stop shopping - pics and all) $358.00 for a family of four (free pics for booking Dis cruise with AAA) BTW - they don't even know what to tell their clients.... and believe me, I realize everyones "better to be safe than sorry" standpoint but why-why-why can't someone (govt.?? ) just spell it out...... YES OR NO!!! I find this very frustrating
Sorry, just needed to blow off a little steam

 

[Joan1]

To get the official answer see the official website


http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

 

[castlegazer]

edited to state that now i am not sure

 

[Joan1]

Here is what the website says

What is the new travel document requirement?

All travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Canada or Mexico will be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors. This new requirement will be known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Who does this requirement affect?

All United States citizens traveling within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports will be affected.

Certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States, namely most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and Mexican citizens will also be affected.

When will the new travel initiative requirement be implemented?

The deadline for full implementation of the travel initiative requirements is January 1, 2008. A timeline for phasing in these requirements is being reviewed and will be published as soon as it is finalized.

 

[KKB]

We, too, are confused.
Don't mind having them for DH & I...frustrated w/ one time use by kids.
AT THIS MOMENT you do not. Many have commented that the government can change its mind at any time w/o concern for how it affects the public. I disagree here on this one...they seem to have already dropped the proposed timeline that certainly gave everyone sufficient time. So I am waiting....
If you go by the OFFICIAL government website, you do NOT need them...AT THIS TIME....
Kris

 

[MrsMork]

At the end of the FAQs on the official site:

Will this requirement apply to travel between the United States and Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Travel between the United States and U.S. territories will not be affected by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. U.S. citizens traveling between the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam will continue to be able to use established forms of identification to board flights and for entry.

If traveling outside of the United States or a U.S. territory, a passport or other secure document will be required. For example, a person may travel to and from the United States to the U.S. Virgin islands without a passport or other secure document, but under proposed regulations, a passport or other secure document would be required to re-enter the U.S. Virgin Islands from the British Virgin Islands or another country as of December 31, 2005.

This is still stating Dec 31, 2005, giving as one example traveling from British Virgin Islands to US Virgin Islands, but clearly stating that as of today a passport will be required. As stated this may change, but if you are traveling early in 2006 getting it now would make sense to me.

 

[IzzysMom]

Your cruise isn't until March - so I would wait until Congress is back in session to see whether they pass this legislation. We are cruising in Jan 06 and I am going to wait until Oct. to see what happens.

How much would you be saving if you went to AAA vs. waiting until Nov or Dec and then not needing them? Just a thought!

 

[txtara]

Check out RCCL website. They have listed on their site all of the passport changes.

 

[gemjoy]

Your cruise isn't until March - so I would wait until Congress is back in session to see whether they pass this legislation. We are cruising in Jan 06 and I am going to wait until Oct. to see what happens.

How much would you be saving if you went to AAA vs. waiting until Nov or Dec and then not needing them? Just a thought!

Good idea...
It'll cost me the same if I wait till October - still free passport pics for booking Dis Cruise with AAA. I think I probably will wait a bit.... can't hurt
thanks everyone for your input.

 

[El Capitan]

Hi GemJoy,

I have some knowledge in this area based on what I do in my other life when I'm not planning for our same March cruise as well.

The Feds have not drawn the line and said you must have your passport. But, and this is important, if you choose not to get a passport, you would need at a minimum, a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, and a photo identification like a drivers license. A passport is standardized and much quicker in getting through customs.

I have seen where folks have complained about being in the slow line for everyone who did not have a passport. This is because, all of the other documents come in many different styles and types depending on where you live and came from.

We are biting the passport bullet right now for $265 and I will be glad when it is over. Ours will last for ten years, and my DS will be okay for five years. My advise,which is free and only that, get your passports, embark on the Magic and have no worries.

 

[imomtojd]

Check out RCCL website. They have listed on their site all of the passport changes.

That was the old information. The state dept. website has changed since then.

Lisa

 

[HeelMD]

If you're not sure, go ahead and get them. They last for ten years so you are very likely to use them again. It will be one less worry on departure day.

 

[tvguy]

If you're not sure, go ahead and get them. They last for ten years so you are very likely to use them again. It will be one less worry on departure day.

Amen.

 

[Mjasp]

Here is what the website says

What is the new travel document requirement?

All travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Canada or Mexico will be required to have a passport or OTHER ACCEPTED DOCUMENTS that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States.

What are the other accepted documents??????

 

[El Capitan]

All travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Canada or Mexico will be required to have a passport or OTHER ACCEPTED DOCUMENTS that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States.

What are the other accepted documents??????

This is typical government speak. The other documents are generally a certified (not an original) birth certificate and a photo identification typically a drivers license. Yes it would help a lot is they just spelled that out for you.

 

[mm lover in Ia]

I emailed them and this is the response I got in regards to our trip on 2/26/06:

Each country has specific criteria for tourist and business travelers. You should check with the embassy or consulate of the country that you plan to visit for their requirements.

A list of the entry requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to a foreign country can be found at
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings_consular.html




If you have further questions, please email us at NPIC@state.gov. Please include all prior messages or correspondence in your reply so that we may know what has taken place previously. If you prefer, you can call us at (877)487-2778. Our contact center is open Monday through Friday 7:00AM-12:00AM EST.

Thank you. 053
National Passport Information Center

 

[El Capitan]

Have passport, embark on MAGIC

NO WORRIES!!

 

[Cindy72]

what are the appropriate docs for kids since they don't have pic ID's? We cruised in 03 and a birth certificates were fine. I'm still debating getting a passport, just for peace of mind.

 

[pppiglet]

We got them for our June 11th cruise. Kept putting it off, but just didn't have piece of mind without them. Glad we got them. Lines were shorter and now we have them for our next cruise! Who knows if they will raise the rates later also.

 

[Mjasp]

This is typical government speak. The other documents are generally a certified (not an original) birth certificate and a photo identification typically a drivers license. Yes it would help a lot is they just spelled that out for you.

El Capitan...If they will still be allowing after 12/31/05 "other" forms of ID besides a passport like stated in the text that was copied on page 1, then what is all the hoopla about getting a passport by 12/31/05. Am I missing something?

Thx
Joanna