do i need a passport?

Dr. Dreamer

starting december 31st you'll need a passport... i just applied for one today actually since im going to canada dec 2nd and wont be coming back until end of february

decidor

you're a naturalized citizen of WHAT?? US or MEXICO????

Î›Ð¸Î´Ñ“Îµyâ„¢

If u entered the US illegal and without a passport you aren't going to get back in very easy...

roundater

New Requirements for Travelers

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

Background

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to develop and implement a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike, to present a passport or other document, or a combination of documents, that denote identity and citizenship when entering the United States. Congress amended portions of the Act in 2006. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is the Administrationâ€™s proposed plan to implement this mandate.

The Goal of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

The goal of the Initiative is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized, secure and reliable documentation which will allow the Department of Homeland Security to quickly, reliably and accurately identify a traveler.

Timeline

In the proposed implementation plan, the requirements outlined above will be rolled out in the following phases:

On January 8, 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.
Travel Documents for U.S. Citizens Under WHTI

Under the proposed implementation plan, the following documents will be acceptable to fulfill document requirements:

U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, and may also use a U.S. passport when traveling via sea and land borders (including ferry crossings).
The Passport Card (also referred to as the PASS Card): This limited use passport in card format is currently under development and will be available for use for travel only via land or sea (including ferries) between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Similar in size to a credit card, it will fit easily into a wallet.
DOS and DHS also anticipate that the following documents will continue to be acceptable for their current travel uses under WHTI: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, and the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. As proposed, members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders will continue to be exempt from the passport requirement.
Media Note - Department of State to Introduce Passport Card

Fact Sheet - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions about the New Travel Initiative Requirements (FAQs)

Other Relevant Links

Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

tianjingabi

As of January 8, 2007, you will need a passport for ANY and ALL travel in and out of the US. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks to get your passport. You'd better get started.

If you are traveling within two weeks, or need to apply for a visa to travel, you can go to one of the 7 passport agencies around the US and apply in person for your passport. In that case, you will get the passport on the same day.

Good luck.

vanamont7

Here, get it from the horses' mouth:

http://www.state.gov/

Pop D

Not until 1 January 2008 if you are crossing the border by land or by sea. If you are flying you'll need a passport this coming January, 2007.

Scott

I think that between now and january 8th you can get by without but after you will need one...

stick to my guns

If you are flying Yes if you arent NO

esra_ofw62

bottom line and straight answer ..no running around the bushes answer is YES you do need a passport.

scififed

starting Jan. 8, 2007 you will need a passport to fly to Mexico. if you drive you do not need a passport until June 1, 2009. just show proof of citizenship. if you do not make a copy of the naturalization certificate, and some picture i.d.

Munya Says: DUH!

You will as of...What, december 1st or Dec 31st, I dont remember which date---check with the US passport office (usually there's one located in your main post office).

nobudE

why risk it. especially now. we all need them by next year anyway.

amandafofanda66

If you're an American you can go now but starting the first of the year you must have a passport to get back into the US.

Naturalised citizen or not I would definately get a passport. You will need one starting 8 January 2007. Right now with all the illegal immigration from Mexico, if you are of hispanic descent, the safest way for re-entry into the US is with a Passport.

bratty brat

Travel after 12-31-06 requires a passport. You can check the post office website. Most are currently mailing out cards to box-holders giving notice of the new laws.

Andy

Assuming you are a naturalized citizen of the USA: you do not need a passport until January 2007. But you would be wisse to have one, as it is the best proof of nationality. You could bring your naturalization certificate and driving license, but that is less practical.

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