Passport Requirements
The cruise industry encourages all travelers to prepare for changes regarding travel within the Western Hemisphere. The Department of Homeland Security and Department of State issued the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative which will require all U.S. citizens to have a passport or other accepted travel document when entering or re-entering the United States from any part of the Western Hemisphere (Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Central and South America and the Caribbean).

The current deadlines are:
AIR: In effect since January 23, 2007 — A passport is required for all air travel within the Western Hemisphere and abroad for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda.

U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can nevertheless temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007.

To obtain proof of application, go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html

SEA and LAND:
As soon as January 1, 2008 — A passport or other accepted document* will be required for land border crossings and sea travel within the Western Hemisphere.
*Sea and land travelers will also be eligible for the PASScard, a less expensive alternative document.

Although the requirement to possess a valid passport or PASScard for sea travel and land border crossings could be extended to as late as June 1, 2009, the government can accelerate this date based on meeting certain standards and is recommending that travelers be prepared for the passport requirement as early as January 1, 2008.

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) supports the Department of Homeland Security’s intent to ease travel document requirements for children.

For more information on how to apply for or renew a passport, please visit http://www.travel.state.gov/passport

Previous statements:
Congress Approves Passport Delay for Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (9/30/06)
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (8/18/06)