Starting tomorrow, January 23, U.S. citizens must have a passport to FLY to and return from Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Active duty members of the military are exempt. Land and sea travel to these locations will NOT require a passport until at least 2008. These locations usually required a drivers license or similar ID.
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Having taken a cruise to Cozumel (sp), I couldn't figure out why someone didn't need a passport for cruises in the first place. Some people may think that this is an inconvenience, but it merely closes a National Security loophole that should have never been opened.
The will of God prevails. In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, but one must be, wrong. - Abraham Lincoln, 1862
If you travel frequently (cruises, trips to Mexico, fly, etc...) it would be a good idea to go ahead and get a passport now if you do not already have one. It takes about 6 weeks (or possibly more) to get a passport. Since this new travel law has gone into effect, I am sure people will face delays in obtaining passports within a 6 week window. It is better to have the correct documentation and not need it than to wind up in a situation where you wish you had it with you.
Thanks for posting, Stick. My hubby and I got smacked in the face w/this when we started planning a trip to some exotic place (ANY exotic place). Puts a little damper on WHEN we can take this trip for sure.
If you have even the vaguest idea that you might leave the country at anytime within the next 5 years, go ahead and fill out the paperwork.
Trust me...it's completely worth it!
(Also...check the CDC website on the vaccinations you might need -- you'd be surprised how many shots you have to have to get into some countries!)
Oh how we danced and we swallowed the nights for it was all ripe for dreaming
Oh how we danced away all of the lights we've always been out of our minds
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Having taken a cruise to Cozumel (sp), I couldn't figure out why someone didn't need a passport for cruises in the first place. Some people may think that this is an inconvenience, but it merely closes a National Security loophole that should have never been opened.
I don't think you need one for cruises. I could be wrong, but a co-worker of mine is going on a cruise next month and was told they did not need one. However, they were encouraged to have one since they have small children (who will be staying with relatives) and you never know if an emergency might arise where they need to leave the cruise and return home.
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I'm planning on going to our sports information national workshop in San Diego this summer, and am expecting to go into Mexico at some point during the trip. I was wondering about this. Thanks!
"What we call luck, what we call chance, is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. If you stay ready, you ain't gotta get ready." -- Will Smith
A passport is NOT needed to exit or return from Mexico and Canada via ground transportation. This requirement is not expected to become effective until 2008. Saying that, those who do expect to leave the country in the next five years, like stickman stated, should apply now for a passport to beat the crowd. Applications can be picked up at the courthouse at the circuit clerk office.
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