Important U.S. Passport Information

We strongly recommend that our clients obtain a passport as soon as possible.

AIR TRAVEL

ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL

The following summarizes information available on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's and U.S. Customs and Border Protection's websites.

CURRENTLY:

Effective June 1, 2009, all U.S. citizens are now required to present a passport book, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document when entering the United States.

Note: Children under age 16 will be able to continue crossing land and sea borders using only a U.S. birth certificate (or other form of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate.). The original birth certificate or a copy may be used.

Note: Cruise Ship Passengers: U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Our travel consultants will assist you in ensuring that you have the appropriate documents.

Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.

U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:

• U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
• Passport Card: U.S. citizens may present a valid Passport Card for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda. Please note that the Passport Card is NOT valid for air travel.

Since passports are valid for entering and exiting the country from ALL foreign destinations, ALL travelers, including those traveling by air, land or sea in the Western Hemisphere, are encouraged to obtain, and travel with, a passport. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport visit www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778.

Other useful passport information:

• How to Apply in Person for a Passport (includes downloadable forms)
• How to Apply for a Passport Renewal (includes downloadable forms)
• Passport Application Services in Local Post Offices

We strongly recommend that our clients obtain a passport as soon as possible. Please call Antietam Travel Service, Inc. at 301-662-8080 if you have any questions or need assistance.