Passports...Do you need one, and when?

Much discussion has been had about the current and future changes regarding passports. Do you need one to cruise now? How about after the first of the year? Are you flying? Driving? It's confusing, and believe me, we know!

We offer this to ease your way through the new government regulations:

If you are traveling between now and the end of 2007, by CRUISE SHIP from the United States to the Caribbean, Mexico or Alaska, you only need your birth certificate. If you are flying to the Caribbean, Mexico or Canada, you WILL NEED a passport (unless going to the US Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix or Puerto Rico as they are all considered US Territories). Driving across the border to Mexico or Canada you need proof of citizenship (photo ID and birth certificate). Anything else outside of the United States, either by air or cruise, you need a passport. Simple huh?

How do you get a passport and what do you need?

First of all, you need an application. If you have never had a passport, are over the age of 16, or if you have a passport that is more than 15 years old (from date of issue), you can use this application. This can be optained online at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html After printing out the application, fill it out, get 2 photos (least expensive is Costco or Walgreens and they must be exact passport size or they will not be accepted), and proceed to the nearest acceptance facility (there are over 8000 nationwide, usually county courthouses but check out the website home page for the location nearest you). You will need your birth certificate and photo ID as well. DO NOT SIGN THE FORM until you take the oath administered by an authorized agent!

Need to renew a passport? You can do this by mail, by going to the home page of the above referenced link and search for passport renewal. Print out the form, and you can add two new pictures and mail in your old passport with renewal fees.

How long will this process take? Currently, turn around time is running about six to eight weeks. As it gets closer to the end of the year, this may slow down. If you need your passport right away, you can pay a fee to "expediate" the process. This is usually $65 or more.

Keep in mind there are passport agencies that can help you obtain your passport, but fees are usually involved. The State Department charges no additional fees other than issuance or expediation fees.