Passport timeline for changes

[pjpoohbear]

Just received this in a e-mail from HAL.

"In April 2005, the U.S. Department of State announced details of the proposed “Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative”. If enacted, U.S. and Canadian citizens will be required to carry a passport for travel to or from certain countries/areas that were previously exempt. As you are making future travel plans, you'll want to keep the proposed implementation dates in mind:

Beginning December 31, 2005, a passport or other accepted document* will be required for all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.

Beginning December 31, 2006, a passport or other accepted document* will be required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.

Beginning December 31, 2007, a passport or other accepted document* will be required for all air, sea and land border crossings.


To avoid a last-minute rush, we encourage you to obtain or ensure you have a valid passport. You'll find more information and helpful resources at the links below.

We look forward to welcoming you on board a Holland America Line cruise in the future.

Obtaining a Passport in the U.S.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and Time Line "

Penny

 

[tvguy]

Frankly, why would ANYONE in this day and age travel outside the country without a passport? Kind of a non-issue to me especially when you are spending thousands of dollars on the trip. The cost is a non-issue.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

hhmmm...money is tight, I'd love to travel without the passports... I've been to Nassau twice without them... but....such is the law now I guess

 

[lbgraves]

It is still just a proposal & many of us are waiting for it to become official before spending that extra money.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Hubby and I already paid the $$$ and awaiting our passports' arrival. Our ticket to go anywhere.

 

[Jillpie]

It is still just a proposal & many of us are waiting for it to become official before spending that extra money.

Yes, and why oh why is it taking so darn long for them to make it official?? I'm waiting too. I wonder where we could find the official word once it comes out, does anyone know? Or is there any place we could call to find out a status?

 

[KKB]

They JUST dropped the proposed timeline!!!!
www.travel.state.gov
The proposed timeline that had been on the site since April is NO LONGER there.
The Detroit Free Press had an article regarding this today, with a quote from a gov't official in the passport dept. that the original suggested dates weren't practical.
VERY excited here! Intend on getting them for DH & I as we will be cruising often...but it would have been a one time expense for the kids.
ONCE in a while the gov't pulls through!
Kris

 

[Jillpie]

Well, I think this is good news for us, however, the timeline is still not published. We can't get too excited, but I think we won't quite need them for this coming June. But nothing will surprise me. I still have to get one for my son going to Italy in the Spring. But for our Western cruise in June, I don't think so.