NEW Passport Requirements
Traveling abroad? It’s important to know your passport, visa, and health requirements, which vary by destination. Be sure to have all the information you need well in advance of your trip.
- Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
- As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the U.S. from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States.
For more information on international travel requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State Web site. The
Passport Services office provides current information and services to American citizens about how to obtain,
replace or change a passport.
