Deadline Looms for Passport Requirements

Anybody who is planning to travel overseas after June 1st, 2009, will need to make sure they have a valid passport in hand. Formerly January, then delayed until June 1, the active date is coming up quickly for the required document.

Before this time, people needed to show just a valid government issued form of identification as well as their birth certificates for land and sea travel. Some individuals have taken another route and obtained the passport card, which is similar to a driver’s license with personal information and a photograph, but also includes an imbedded chip to confirm identity. This form of identification will still be effective for cruise travel, but there are severe consequences if an emergency should arise. If the ship is in international waters or ports when a passenger receives word there is an emergency requiring their presence in the United States, the passport card will not get them into US airports. For this situation, the actual passport is required; the same rules as apply on any international air flight.

With the 90 day countdown now in progress for the June 1st deadline, the time to apply for a US passport is NOW. Officials predict a 4 to 6 week processing time, which could grow if requests for the document flood the offices. The cost for the passport is $100, while the passport card carries a fee of around $45 for adults and slightly less for children.

With so many really inexpensive cruise options being offered due to “wave season” specials and also due to the poor economy, it is conceivable that a Caribbean or Mexican cruise would be in the future of many who are tired of winter blahs. While leaving on the cruise will not pose any difficulties, reentering the United States will be impossible without a passport or passport card.

The purpose of these new mandates is to strengthen US borders using standardized documents; an objective that has been striven for in the past several years. Applying for your passport now will ensure that you have it in hand by the June 1st deadline, and be ready to grab last minute promotions on great cruise deals.

Here are useful links to assist you with your travel plans.

Plan Your Travel

Rush My Passport