Did you know Passport Day is March 28, 2009? Plan to apply for your Passport!
How do I know when I need a passport? This is a question I still get asked regularly. As a Travel Consultant my opinion is everyone needs a passport if you are going to travel outside the United States including Canada, Mexico, Virgin Islands and even Puerto Rico. Many people still think it is only needed for trips to Europe.
I recommend my clients all get passports. What if a great special comes out and you can’t go because you still don’t have your passport? Travel rates today to Europe, the islands and Mexico are the lowest I have seen in my 17 years in the business! Also what would happen if you took a cruise, didn’t have a passport and a family member became very ill at home and you wanted to be with them. You could not get home from Cancun or Turks and Caicos without one.
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.
Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.
Passports are good for 10 years and they are then renewable.
Your other option is the Passport Card. This is a wallet-size card and is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. It is now talking 4 weeks from the time you apply until you receive it. However, the U.S. Passport Card cannot be used for international air travel. This new travel document can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.
So if you are thinking of traveling the sooner you apply the better. Don’t miss out on all the beautiful places you can visit! For more information go to www.luxurydiscountvacations.net.
Joanna Scott is the owner of Scott Travel the home of Luxury Discount Vacations. Email us at luxurydiscountvacations@gmail.com
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