« Kinich Kak Mo: Largest Structure on the Yucatan Peninsula | Mmmm, Belize Chocolate!!! »

Get A Passport NOW, Before You Forget! Deadline: Jan. 1, 2008!

By Jane Goodwin | March 16, 2007

From the U.S. Dept. of State comes this reminder, travelers, that if you don’t already have a passport, and you plan to visit Canada, Mexico, or any Latin American or Caribbean countries, you’d best be getting one soon. As of last January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. Citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries) may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

SO, if you are a U.S. citizen going to any of these points, unless you are flying, you do not need a passport until January 1, 2008, but you will need other forms of ID: a birth certificate, or a voter’s registration card, social security card, etc. My advice to all of you? Go ahead and get the passport. Why not? You’ll need it eventually, and if there’s time before your boat leaves, get it NOW! After January 1, 2008, you’ll have to have it anyway.

Sometimes, the line is shorter at the Post Office. You can get your pictures taken there, too.

Remember, even if you’re driving to these locations, you’ll have to have a wallet-full of ID; you might as well make one of those a passport.

Sphere It

Topics: Travel / Relocation, Lifestyle, Destinations |

Comments