passport vs. birth certificate

[krn82259]

We are cruising in July, and have used birth certificates in the past. A friend told me that they heard that passports will be required as of June. Has anyone heard this???

 

[DIS NURSE]

To dispell the rumor...it is PROPOSED (Bush hasn't signed yet!) to start JAN 1, 2006

 

[Rence]

A law was passed and signed to increase documentation requirements for individuals entering the US. The law says these regulations must be fully effective 1/1/2008.

Regulations are being drafted to implement the law. Bush does not have to sign the regulation. Government agencies issue regulations to implement passed laws. Laws are signed by the president, regulations are not.

The regulations propose that the rules be phased in with more countries added each year. The proposal calls for requiring US citizens returning from the Caribbean to have passports or other acceptable documentation by 1/1/2006 with additional countries being added 1/1/2007 and 1/1/2008.

The other acceptable documentation at this time does NOT include Birth Certificates. This refers to certain type of frequent traveler cards issued by the state department etc.

Now Bush has raised some objections to the proposal. His objections are specific to Mexico and Canada due to the frequency of border crossings between the US and those two countries. As the former governor of Texas he is very familiar with the amount of commerce between the US and Mexico. Bush has asked that the regulations be looked at again to see if there isn’t a way of meeting the terms of the laws short of requiring a passport for those retuning to the US from Mexico and Canada.

At this point the regulation requiring passports for US citizens returning from the Caribbean will go into effect on 1/1/2006. The regulations are proposed and will go into effect unless a change is made. So this makes it more likely than not that passports will be required.

If you are sailing in 2006 you should pay close attention. You can go ahead and get your passports now to be on the safe side, or you can wait. Just make sure to allow yourself enough time to get your passports if the regulations go forward as planned.

 

[tvguy]

Passport is always better.....even on domestic air travel.

 

[LiserAnn]

We are cruising in July, and have used birth certificates in the past. A friend told me that they heard that passports will be required as of June. Has anyone heard this???

When are you going - July 2005 or 2006? If you're going in 2006 then it has been proposed (and more than likely will pass) that passports be required for travel to Bahamas and Caribbean effectived 1/1/06. If you're going in 2005 you are fine with the BC.

 

[the kabuki]

I would do the passports, that's what all TA's have been advising, along with our local clerk at the city building here.

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

I am a TA and have been instructed to let all my clients know the following:

Jan 1, 2006 a passport will be required to re-enter the US from travel in the caribbean.

Jan 1, 2007 a passport will be required for re-entry into the US - VIA air travel from Caribbean/Mexico/Canada.

Jan 1, 2008 a passport will be required for re-entry into the US via border crossings from Canada and Mexico.

We have been receiving e-mails every day form different passport and government agencies and the dates and areas of travel are all slightly different right now until the regulation is passed, so all I can say is...

GET A PASSPORT! I cannot stress enough how much easier it is to travel, internationally AND domestically!