Passport Laws 101: What You Need to Know

July 10, 2007 — -- If you're planning a vacation anywhere outside of the U.S., you're likely wondering about passport requirements. And who can blame you?

Since the laws changed in January of this year, passport agencies have been overwhelmed with applications, and thousands of Americans' summer plans have been affected. Passport processing is so behind -- 3 million applications are currently backlogged and thousands more come in each day -- that the State Department last week ordered 350 staff members to report to facilities in Louisiana and New Hampshire to help out. Here's a quick guide to what you need to know if you're traveling soon.

1) What are the new rules for air travel?

As of January 23, 2007, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative of the Department of Homeland Security requires that all U.S. citizens must present a valid passport to reenter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean if traveling by air. This law was relaxed in June. Now -- until September 30 -- Americans traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean can reenter the country as long as they have proof that they have already applied for a passport, plus a valid photo ID.

Keep in mind, however, that it can take weeks for your application to show up online, so even with these relaxed rules, waiting until the last minute isn't a good choice.

And don't forget, you must comply with the rules of entry of the individual country that you visit.

2) What are the new rules for land and sea travel?

Your are okay to return from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean to the U.S. without a passport. You will need a government issued ID (like a driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate).

You will not need a passport to reenter the U.S. by land or sea from these destinations until at least January, though no exact date has been set.

3) I am booked on a cruise to Mexico next month - do I need a passport?

Technically no, but you should check with your cruise line to make sure that they don't require that passengers carry them.