Passport Relief!

Effective June 8, 2007, the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security announced that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or other countries in the Caribbean region, who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air.

Until September 30, 2007, travelers may fly without a passport by presenting both a :
* State Department receipt proving application for a passport
* Government issued identification, such as a driver's license

This accommodation does not mean that Americans are exempt from meeting the entry requirements of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region. Entry requirements for those countries remain in effect. Americans traveling to those countries must verify the specific entry requirements for that country before departure.

Children under the age of 16, traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child's proof of application. Photo ID is not required, though if you have a student ID, it is recommended you travel with that. For children aged 16-18 who do not have a government issued ID card, one can be obtained at the Department of Motor Vehicles. To obtain a government issued ID card you will need a birth certificate, social security card and student ID card if available.

Updated Entry Requirements by Destination:
All of Mexico: Government issued photo ID and official proof of application from the U.S. Deptartment of State
Jamaica, Aruba, Curacao, Grand Cayman, Dominican Republic, Nassau, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Martin, Turks and Caicos: Government issued photo ID and official proof of application from U.S. Department of State
Barbados, Bermuda: Passport only

Please note that if you are departing prior to September 30, 2007, but returning AFTER that date, you will need a passport.