Passport Requirements Delayed

[PA Steve Rocky Mount]

Just wanted to make sure everyone is aware that due to the recent back-up in passport applications, the Bush administration has put on hold requirements to have a passport for travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It's still a great idea to get one!!! But the requirement is apparently going to be rescinded.

[LisaP]

Here's the official word from the source:

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

Note that photo ID is still required, as is documentation that a passport application was submitted. And, this is only a temporary measure.

[Melody]

Question we have booked a sailing date for 6-23 was told they pushed back the passport date and we didn't need to worry about that reading here it states if you have applied for one and not yet received that would be ok we have not applied
because the cruise line said not to worry about it should I apply now he is birth cert ok?

[LisaP]

Original birth certificate with official seal (not a photocopy), along with a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) will be OK. I am assuming that you are going to a location that will not require a passport, such as the Caribbean, Mexico, or Canada/Alaska.

But you read it correctly -- only those who have applied for a passport are covered by this temporary exemption.

[Melody]

Going to Mexico called Carnival to make sure no passports required we haven't applied for them and they said none needed as long as we brought Birth Cert . Hopefully this is ok and we will not have any trouble.

[Spiritfilled]

So those of us who have passports, was that just thrown away cash or will eventually everyone will have to have one??

[f-mattox]

You will eventually need one to cross any border by any means.

[PA Steve Rocky Mount]

f-mattox...EXCELLENT point.

and SPRITFILLED, don't forget this whole thing revolves around travel to Mexico, Caribbean, and Canada. If you want to go ANYWHERE else (i.e. europe, asia, africa, etc), you will most definitely need a passport.

3 days till I'm LEEEVEEN ON A FUNSHEEEEP!!

[Dave]

Originally posted by Spritfilled:
So those of us who have passports, was that just thrown away cash or will eventually everyone will have to have one??

It is only a 3 month deferral of the rules, as compared to the 10 year life of a passport between renewals.

[culater]

I hate to put a damper on the chat going on here, but the way I read it is that for Canada , Mexico and the Caribbean, if you are arriving or departing those countries by air, you need the proper ID AND proof that you have applied for a passport. This is if you do not have a passport. So it is my understanding that just a Birth Certificate isn't enough, you must have the proof that your passport application is in process. This is until September 30. Then after September 30, you need the passport. To get proof of processing the passport application, you need to apply then check online for the status of the application. Go to the website to make sure. www.travel.state.gov.