In an effort to enhance security and efficiency at U.S. borders, the U.S. government is now enforcing new passport requirements for all travelers entering or re-entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Travel between the U.S. and U.S. territories (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) will not be affected. Please note the changes cited below and how they might affect your travel plans.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: On June 8, 2007 the U.S. government announced a temporary suspension (through September 30, 2007) of the passport requirement for U.S. citizens only traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. For details, click here.

No exact date is set but passports will be required for “sea” or cruise passengers entering or re-entering the U.S. on the same deadline as for land border crossings - some time before June 1, 2009. By law cruise travelers will also have the option of using the Passport Card - often referred to as the PASS Card - that is currently being developed. Other qualified passport alternatives for sea or land entry have yet to be determined.

In conjunction with the cruise deadline, a passport or other qualified travel document will be required at all land border ports-of-entry prior to June 1, 2009. But no exact date is set. Travelers crossing U.S. land borders will have the option of using a traditional passport or the Passport Card - often referred to as the PASS Card - that is currently being developed. Other qualified passport alternatives have yet to be determined.