Going in 2006? (Passports Required)
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**duck addict** · 04-06-2005, 01:38 PM

According to the morning papers, you will need a passport when returning to the US from the carribean beginning 2006?

The stops the make it are technically there, so start the process to get yours, or update yours if it is near expiring.

**Cam22** · 04-06-2005, 01:39 PM

Thanks for the heads up!

**Dave Marx** · 04-06-2005, 08:37 PM

Yes. The 3rd edition of our DCL guide went to the printers on Monday. Tuesday they announced this. It'll be #1 on the Updates list.

Anyway, this is currently a proposed rulemaking. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (the "9/11 Intelligence Bill") says that a passport or other authorized document must be used for all forms of border crossing into the U.S. by January 1, 2008. (And by "other authorized document" they mean special frequent-traveler cards that are used by Canadians and Mexicans who commute to/from the U.S. on a daily basis, truck drivers on regular cross-border routes, etc. - under no circumstances will drivers licenses, birth certificates, military ID cards, etc. be accepted.) The Departments of State and Homeland Security are currently proposing a phase-in, as follows:

December 31, 2005 - Air and sea travel to/from Bermuda, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. This does include the Bahamas (Castaway Cay), so every Disney cruise in 2006 will require a passport.

December 31, 2006 - Air and sea travel to/from Mexico and Canada.

December 31, 2007 - All land, sea and air border crossings into the U.S.

So again, this is a proposed rulemaking. There's a 60 day "clock" that has started for public comment, and the final regulations should be official by this fall. You can read all about it at the U.S. State Department's web site.

Analysis: This is only a proposal, but I expect that whatever tweaking they do to the proposal before it becomes an official rule will not change the dates they've proposed for the phase-in. So, if you're planning a Bahamas/Caribbean cruise for 2006, expect you'll need a passport. It currently takes six to eight weeks to process a passport application. Further, you may need additional time to obtain a birth certificate, which you'll need for that passport application. So, don't put this off 'til the last minute.

Now, it's time for some humor.... Wouldn't it have been cool if the law required PassPorters for everyone traveling to/from the U.S.?

JoanW · 04-06-2005, 10:43 PM

[ QUOTE ]

Now, it's time for some humor.... Wouldn't it have been cool if the law required PassPorters for everyone traveling to/from the U.S.?

[/ QUOTE ]

Hardy Har Har! But then again, I'd love a Passporter for every non-Disney (gasp) vacation we'd might take in the future - hint hint.

This topic was posted probably nine months ago, so we went ahead and went to the post office to get it done now. The state department website has good info on how to apply, download forms, and which post offices offer appointments, walk ins, and photos. Other than the almost $100 per person fee, it was painless and quick. We're just waiting for them to arrive.

DisneyM5 · 04-07-2005, 10:20 AM

<font color="purple">Thanks for the heads up, I actually heard they were going to do this a few months ago. My Passport doesn't expire until 2008 so I'm safe.

</font>

eeyoregirl · 04-07-2005, 10:51 AM

Is this true also for minors? I have a passport, but my 17 year old doesn't

**Dave Marx** · 04-07-2005, 01:25 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Is this true also for minors? I have a passport, but my 17 year old doesn't

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, minors, too. Alexander already has his. Note that for people under 18, passports expire after five years, not ten as it is for adults. I can't imagine Alexander's passport photo being useful even five years from now, but at the price, I'll take what I can get.

**Dave Marx** · 04-07-2005, 01:27 PM

[ QUOTE ]
<font color="purple">Thanks for the heads up, I actually heard they were going to do this a few months ago. My Passport doesn't expire until 2008 so I'm safe.

</font>

[/ QUOTE ]

The law passed back at the end of '04 (signed in December), but until now, the only certain date we had was January 1, 2008.

JoanW · 04-07-2005, 07:20 PM

We went on March 23, and they came today!

**Colexis Mom** · 04-08-2005, 09:22 PM

I guess I need to figure in that expense now too

Gee, I wonder if I can plan another overseas trip soon so I can get work to pay for my update since I expire in 2006

WDWLVR · 04-16-2005, 08:59 PM

We got our passports a few years ago and I'm glad we did. It makes travel so much easier. If this is passed we won't have to worry about the rush to get passports.

dsnytina · 04-18-2005, 04:31 PM

We applied on 4/7.
Ouch! Almost $300 for the three of us!
Hopefully, we'll get them soon!

dmpyron · 05-13-2005, 04:04 PM

Mine expires in June. I've been told to expect delays based on the increased demand. I think I can apply outside of the six month window, I'll ask State on Monday.

Last month we took a trip to Australia. I booked the air Monday evening, got the visa a minute or two later (electronic) and flew out on Sunday. Can't do that without a passport.

Having one makes flowing through TSA in an out of state airport so much faster. They know exactly where everythig is and don't have to read the whole driver's license for the details.

Kimmielee · 08-06-2005, 11:06 AM

What's the best way to apply for a Passport? I have lots of time so I'm not in panic mode...

dmpyron · 08-07-2005, 12:37 AM

If this is your first one, you'll need the application, two photos, birth certificate and marriage license (if your name is different than on your birth certificate). You'll go to a passport acceptance facility to submit the application.

The forms, addresses of the failities near you and other information can be found at the State Department website.

I wouldn't wait too long, the delay is doing nothing but get longer as more people realize that they'll need one.