Passport Cover
Do I Need a US Passport for Air Travel?
Travel rules, regulations and restrictions have changed considerably in the last decade, particularly since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. US passports are in high demand since they are currently a requirement for certain types of travel. Other types of travel do not require a US passport, though the rules will be changing again in the coming months and years. If you are planning air travel in the near future, you’re probably wondering what rules apply to you.
The changes that have occurred in land, sea and air travel regulations have come about as the result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. This program was launched in 2004 in response to the drafting of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. It was enacted to strengthen the security of US borders without making it prohibitive for US citizens and legitimate foreign visitors to cross American borders. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a joint effort between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean region. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative dictates a uniform standard of documentation which is required by every person wishing to enter and leave the areas which are covered by this agreement.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has been implemented in several stages in order to give the public time to prepare for the changes. The first stage to affect air travel was enacted in January of 2007. The standard of required documentation for air travel has not changed since, though changes to land and sea travel have occurred in that time. According to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all foreign air travel (i.e. airplanes leaving the United States) requires a US passport both to leave and re-enter the US.
It is important to note that travelers are not required to carry a US passport for domestic flights. There is no stipulation regarding domestic air travel in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. However, there is speculation by travel experts and government groups that one day a US passport may be required even for domestic flights. This policy would fall into line with a number of other countries, particularly in Europe and the UK. These countries currently require locals and foreigners alike to present a passport for everything travel related, including domestic air travel and hotel stays.
It is also important to note that the documentation required for air travel is stricter than the rules for travel by land and sea. As of January 31, 2008 land and sea travel can be undertaken without a US passport. In lieu of a US passport, travelers must present a legal form of government photo identification AND a proof of citizenship document (birth certificate or naturalization certificate.) Air travelers have been caught in the confusion in the past few years and some have unfortunately found themselves stranded in airports because they were unaware that air travel requirements differ from other types of travel.
The final stage of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will take effect in June, 2009. In anticipation of this, travel agents and US government officials are urging that all American citizens apply for a US passport. A US passport is the only worldwide, universally-accepted form of travel identification. While Americans will still be able to cross land borders without one after June of 2009, a US passport will speed up the process considerably and make for fewer delays at border crossing stations.
About the Author
Jenny Schweyer is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest.
|
|
Baekgaard Passport Cover, Soft Baby Pink, Genuine Leather by Vera Bradley $18.95 … |
|
|
Wine Passport w/ Embossed Red Cover $14.38 This is the ticket to a great experience on the wine trails, or wherever your customers tasting adventures may take them. Book includes pages for notes as well as a glossary of relevant wine-tasting terms. Cover is embossed vinyl polymer…. |
|
|
Wine Passport with Embossed Black Cover $14.38 This is the ticket to a great experience on the wine trails, or wherever your customers tasting adventures may take them. Book includes pages for notes as well as a glossary of relevant wine-tasting terms. Cover is embossed vinyl polymer…. |
|
|
Double Live $15.59 Garth Brooks Limited First Edition Double Live… |
|
|
Jimi Hendrix – The Uncut Story $6.69 Those looking for historical details, insights, and heartfelt testimonials from family, friends, music industry royalty, and fellow musicians will be greatly satisfied with Jimi Hendrix: The Uncut Story. One would obviously expect a documentary spanning Hendrix’s life and career to include the most important facet of the man: his music and him performing that music live. However, The Uncut Story h… |
|
|
Christmas With Rosemary Clooney $4.19 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
U.S. Patrol JB5076 Fire Resistant Document Bag $4.99 You may not be a State Department operative carrying crucial documents in a confidential diplomatic pouch to an ambassador, but everyone has important documents that need to be kept safe. This fire-resistant document bag is just the place to keep birth certificates, passports, property deeds, precious photos and more. It is large enough to hold legal size documents. 10in.L x 15in.W x 10in.H…. |
|
|
Kike Calvo Photo Illustrations And Photography Quotes – After an hour at sea, my passport photo looks like me – Light Switch Covers – double toggle switch $13.75 After an hour at sea, my passport photo looks like me Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material…. |
|
|
Kike Calvo Photo Illustrations And Photography Quotes – After an hour at sea, my passport photo looks like me – Light Switch Covers – single toggle switch $11.75 After an hour at sea, my passport photo looks like me Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material…. |
|
|
6 Hours Till Hedonism II $1.99 … |