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There has been a lot of confusion as to the new entry laws and passports. Do you need to have passports to re-enter the U.S. after visiting Rocky Point?

UPDATE - 6/8/07 - U.S. Planning to Ease Rules on Passports, Official Says - Here's an update for those with US passports. On the US Customs and Border Protection Web site, it says: "Although the requirement is now in effect for all international air travelers to have a passport for travel into and out of the U.S., we are aware that some travelers have not been able to obtain passports because of delayed processing times in both Canada and the U.S." "CBP has informed airlines that travelers with sufficient documentation to provide evidence of a good faith effort to obtain a passport in a timely fashion, (i.e. a receipt from an issuing agency) can be brought to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda, where we will determine their admissibility on a case by case basis." "Only travelers who have made an effort to obtain passports in a timely fashion should contact airlines about being allowed to board under these guidelines. Travelers who have been negligent in obtaining required documents should not expect to be accommodated. Travelers to and from other destinations previously requiring a passport for travel are not eligible for this accommodation." Today's (June 8) NY Times has an article article that begins: Responding to anguished travelers at risk of being grounded by a broken passport system, the government is expected to announce on Friday that it will ease its rules for summer travel in the Western Hemisphere, a Bush administration official said Thursday. Under the revised procedures, proof that a traveler had applied for a passport not yet received would be enough for travelers returning from Canada, Mexico (by air), Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present through September, said the official, who insisted on anonymity because the policy had not been formally announced. TIP: If you've sent in your passport and are still waiting to receive it back or find out where it is, this may help. Call 877-487-2778. Dial 1-1-0 when you first get the recording. If you get another message saying high call volume, wait until almost the end of the message (when you hear the options part) and dial 9-3-1 to recycle back through. It may take 5 or 10 minutes to get through, but you will get to talk to a real live person after about 15 minutes.

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid, unexpired passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid, unexpired passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

Source: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

To recap - if you are a U.S. Citizen going to Rocky Point - unless you are FLYING there, you do NOT need a passport to do so until Jan 1, 2008 - but you will need other forms of ID: a birth certificate, or a voter's registration card, social security card, etc.

As a rule of thumb - if you have a passport, just bring it and save yourself the trouble. It's always good to have on hand. TIP: Avoid the rush. Apply for your passport NOW!

TIP: When traveling abroad, make three color copies of the first two pages of your passport, where your photograph and information appear. Leave one with someone you trust at home. Put one copy in your checked luggage and one copy in your carry-on luggage. If your passport is lost or stolen, this will minimize your delays in leaving and entering the country.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the holder. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the State Department can grant, issue or verify U.S. Passports.

First-time applicants must go in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities throughout the United States with two photographs (both must be identical and 2x2 inches in size), proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver's license. First-time applicants, click here.

Fees are $82 for those under 15 years; $97 for those 16 years and older. More fee info, click here.

Locations include federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There also are 13 regional passport agencies, which serve customers who are traveling within two weeks. Most AAA ofices also offer passports (you must be a AAA member). Appointments are required.

Those renewing a passport may do so in person or by mail. For more information on how to renew a passport, please click here.

For more information, visit the State Department Website at www.travel.state.gov.

Click here for "Tips for Travelers to Mexico" from the State Department.

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