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June 2007--The U.S. Department of State has issued a temporary change to passport policy requirements for air travel to and from certain destinations, including Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean, effective immediately. U.S. citizens who have applied for but not yet received passports can temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air through September 30, 2007, with a government-issued photo identification (i.e., driver's license) and Department of State official proof of application for a passport.
This temporary change was made because of the longer-than-expected processing times for passport applications due to record-breaking demand.
Ziptogaytravel.com strongly encourages our clients to access the Department of State website and review all of the information related to this temporary change, including the Frequently Asked Questions section, which is very helpful.
Domestic Travel: Government-issued Photo ID*
For domestic travel in the 50 United States and Puerto Rico, all adult travelers 18 years and older must present government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license for check-in at the airport. For travel to the territories of the US Virgin Islands, an additional proof of US citizenship, such as an original US birth certificate or a US passport, is also required for all travelers regardless of age. Please check with the airline for additional information on acceptable forms of identification and for information on unaccompanied minors. The airlines reserve the right to deny boarding to anyone with insufficient documentation.
International Travel: Passports and Visa Requirements*
For international air travel outside the 50 United States, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, all US citizens (including infants and children) are required to have a valid US passport for entry into the United States. Driver’s licenses and birth certificates are no longer accepted as proof of US citizenship for international air travel. Information on passport applications, where to apply, forms, fees, requirements, and emergency application services are available from the US State Dept’s travel website www.travel.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2278. This website also has contact information for consulates by country to find out more on entry and tourist visa requirements. Please allow about 10 weeks for processing a new passport application.
Non-US citizens, including permanent residents with “green cards,” must verify entry and visa requirements with the nearest consulate of each destination country.
Special Requirements for Children Leaving the US*:
To ensure the safety of children around the world, countries have adopted special requirements to protect children traveling abroad. If a child is traveling outside the United States and is not accompanied by BOTH parents or BOTH legal guardians, certain documentation and authorization are required:
1. For Single Parent Travel: A notarized letter of permission from the non-traveling parent or legal guardian authorizing travel with the other parent or legal guardian on the authorized foreign itinerary
2. When No Parents Are Traveling: Notarized letters of permission from both parents or both legal guardians authorizing travel with the accompanying adult(s) on the authorized foreign itinerary
3. Official forms and paperwork from the consulate of the destination(s) may be required before departure from the US
4. Certified translations into the language of the destination(s) may be required before departure from the US
Regulations vary by country: Contact the consulate or embassy of each country for the latest legal requirements, child age limits, and required forms.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the personal responsibility of each international traveler to ensure that they have the correct documents for entry into each country on their itinerary as well as for re-entry into the United States.
Re-confirmation of Flights and Baggage Information*
It is recommended that you call your airline at least 72 hours prior to each departure to reconfirm your flights, provide them with any phone contacts for home or hotel, provide your passport information if necessary, learn about baggage restrictions and to make any changes to seat assignments, when possible. Many airlines are now charging fees for oversized and overweight baggage, so do pack wisely! Remember to keep all important documents such as passports, valuables and important items such as medicines in your carry-on bags.
Airport Check-In*
Due to increased security at the airports, it is important that you arrive at the airport early for check-in and TSA screening. For domestic flights, please check-in 90 minutes prior to departure. For international flights, please check-in 3 hours prior to departure. Leave extra time during holiday and peak travel times, bad weather, and heavy traffic or terminal congestion. Don’t miss your flight due to late check-in: There is nothing we can do if the airline cancels your reservation and denies you boarding due to late check-in.
Travel Tips
1. Credit cards and ATM cards are more and more accepted worldwide. Replacing lost or demagnetized cards may take time, so be sure to diversify your travel funds with travelers cheques or cash. Leave excess credit cards such as store cards at home. Always have some small denominations handy for tips along the way.
2. For international travel, exchange money at banks, bureau de change or at the hotel. Foreign currency can also be ordered in advance from banks and some travel services in the US.
3. Make photocopies of your passport, driver’s license, and front and back of all credit cards and any vital medical prescriptions including eyeglass prescriptions. Pack a set of the photocopies separately and leave a set with a trusted relative or friend. It will be easier to replace lost items and documents with this information.
4. Remember to suspend your mail, newspapers and other delivery services.
5. If you are going to a sunny or tropical destination, bring plenty of sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and a hat. Excessive sun exposure has ruined many vacations.
6. If traveling with young children, bring along play activities for the airport and the plane ride.
7. Important medicines, jewelry, and expensive electronics should be carried in your hand luggage. Keep your valuables and important documents in a hotel safe deposit box in your destination.
8. Make sure your luggage has identification both inside and out.
9. Check with the airline before leaving for the airport to verify any last minute delays.
10. Bring comfy clothes, neck pillow, eyeshades and earplugs for overnight or long flights.
11. When traveling, use the hotel concierge or the services of the ground operator for information about the destination, taxis, or restaurant recommendations.
Additional On-line Resources:
For Duty Free Allowances, contact Customs & Border Protection at www.cbp.gov
For Health and Vaccination information, contact the CDC at www.cdc.gov
For Travel Tips and Advisories: www.travel.state.gov
*All information in this booklet is provided as a reference guide and is subject to change. Check with your airline, US State Dept. and the consulate of your destinations for the most up-to-date requirements. |
