So confused...

[UGAFan0829]

Okay, I sure hope that someone can help me here. First of all, I've been trying to keep up with all the threads posted about the Passport situation. I know at first the gov't was saying that everyone would have to have one by Jan. 1, 06 to get back in the US...then I read that they changed it to 2008. The DH and I are cruising in January, and just to be on the safe side we were going to go ahead and get our Passports. But now I'm reading all these posts about the Passports having to go thru New Orleans. I'm a little confused as to 1. whether or not we actually need one (even though I've been told it's much safer to travel with one, and would really like to have one for that reason), and 2. if we go to apply for one, will we be able to get one?
Thanks for the info, and I apologize as I know this issue has been adressed here before...just a little confused and need someone to help clear it all up for me! Thanks!

 

[jetsetter90]

The new date is January 2008 but do remember that you still need a government issued photo ID. Its always better to travel with a passport.


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

TTFN

Jetsetter90

 

[mmmagic7754]

From what I've read you don't need them.Someone on another post said they had called Disney and were told not needed until Dec.2006.We are going on our 4th Dis cruise in May and went ahead and got ours because you never know when the rules when change again LOL. By the way we are also from Athens Home of the Dawgs.

 

[pppiglet]

Go ahead and get them. You'll feel much better. They will re-route the ones that go thru NO to another processing center.

 

[musicgirl]

The date is not 2008. That is when the timeline for implementation is to be completed.

I if you are cruising and returning DCL before 12-31-06, you do not need a passport according to the govt. site listed.

DCL has stated to those who have called and posted on other threads that they will not require them. If you are not sure, call DCL.

This is one of the sections from that site. It specifically states the dates.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html

The site in one of the previous posts is only the first page.

 

[musicgirl]

Here is another thread on the subject.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=901372

 

[OfficerChipmunk]

Not all passports go through New Orleans. When I first got mine 8 or 9 years ago I think it was sent to Pittsburgh or Phillidelphia. So there are other places that can make passports. If you go to your local passport office (usually at a post office) They will give you the form to fill out and the address it needs to be sent to. Because of what has happened in NO they know not to send it there.

Also, 2008 is the final date for those traveling outside of the US to have passports. They are doing it in stages according to where you would be traveling. I don't know that they have finalized all of the deadlines yet.

So I suggest going ahead and getting the passport now.

 

[musicgirl]

Lady Becky,

The sites in this post are the newly updated ones with the correct information. The new timeline is in place. If cruising to Mexico or the Caribbean, you DO NOT need them according to the updated site.

Any one who is not sure should talk to directly to DCL because some people have not read the new info or do not believe it for some reason. The following is copied from the site.


What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative?

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all travelers, including U.S. citizens, to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda 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.

Who will the Travel Initiative affect?

The travel document initiative will affect all United States citizens traveling within the Western Hemisphere, who will now be required to carry a passport or other accepted document.

It will also affect 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.

When will the Travel Initiative be implemented?

In the proposed implementation plan, which is subject to a period of initial public comment, the Initiative will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline will be as follows:

* December 31, 2006 – Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
* December 31, 2007 – Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.

I thought there was an additional phase to be implemented on December 31, 2005. Is this a change?

In April 2005, the Departments of State (DOS) and Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed plan to be implemented in three phases beginning on December 31, 2005 for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After further review and considering the delay in publishing the public notice in the Federal Register, DOS and DHS recognized that implementing the December 31, 2005, phase would be problematic for travelers during the upcoming winter tourism season. This change will simplify the implementation and provide a longer lead-time for travelers to come into compliance with the requirements.