The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced Friday, June 8, that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region, who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air. This accommodation does not mean that Americans are exempt from meeting the entry requirements of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region, some of which require a passport, certified birth certificate, or other evidence of citizenship for entry.
We have reached out to the governments of countries affected by WHTI to consult with them about our announcement. Many of them have agreed to take a flexible approach toward their own entry requirements. For the most current information on entry requirements at their destination, travelers should contact their airline.
U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air by presentation of a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007. The federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was mandated by Congress in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for citizens and legitimate international visitors. WHTI requirements for air travel took effect on January 23, 2007.
Adults who have applied for but not yet received a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State. 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 status. Children traveling alone should carry a copy of their birth certificate, baptismal record or a hospital record of birth in the United States in addition to their passport application status documentation. This accommodation applies to all American citizens who apply for passports, until September 30, when this accommodation period ends. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.
Since implementation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has and will continue to exercise its current authorities in unique circumstances to allow individuals subject to the WHTI requirements into the United States based on other evidence of identity and citizenship.
Travel document security remains a top priority for the U.S. Government. Both the 9/11 Commission and the U.S. Congress urged strengthening of travel documents to prevent entry of terrorists across our borders, reduce use of fraudulent documents, and speed up entry procedures.
IMPORTANT CHANGE IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Beginning on January 23, 2007, all persons – including U.S. citizens – traveling by air from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to have a passport (unless traveling with a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, asylee or refugee document, Merchant Mariner’s Document, or NEXUS Air card) to enter the United States.
WESTERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INITIATIVE CHANGE FROM PRIOR TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
All persons, including U.S. citizens, entering the United States from the Americas, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will soon be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and citizenship. The change will be implemented in two phases. The timeline is as follows: 1) JANUARY 23, 2007: Requirement applied to all air travel to or from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. 2) 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 passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or other documents for land/sea entries.
For more information about applying for a passport, U.S. citizens may visit www.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 1-877-4USA-PPT or TDD/TYY: 1-888-874-7793. Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain passports.
Airport Security Measures
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mission is to prevent terrorist attacks and protect our transportation network ... to obtain the most recent information, use the attached links:
Have you ever wondered how you would get home if you became ill or injured while traveling and required inpatient care? Can you select a particular hospital or physician if you need surgery or specialty care? How would you get there? We all know how important it is to be close to family support and doctors we know and trust during a medical crisis…particularly when far from home.
MedjetAssist was formed in 1990 as an annual membership program for U.S. and Canadian residents, acting much like the AAA Auto Club. When members traveling 150 miles or more away from home, become ill or injured and find themselves hospitalized, MedjetAssist will provide direct access to a medically dedicated long-range aircraft capable of transporting them from domestic or foreign destinations back to the hospital of their choice. Members with “in-network” providers for health insurance now have the option to return to their primary physician. More importantly, it allows you the opportunity to recover with family and friends near your bedside while you are hospitalized rather than recuperating in some remote location.
There are virtually no pre-existing condition exclusions; and unlike other travel insurance, assistance programs or platinum card benefits, the member is the one who makes the choice of whether they want to be transported and to what hospital setting. MedjetAssist is a pre-paid benefit program with zero out of pocket expenses to the member for the transport and other ancillary services provided.. There is no monetary limit to the benefit schedule nor any deductibles, co-payments, claim forms or waiting periods. There are no limitations on the number of trips a member may take as they travel and no health questions to enroll up to age 75! A separate “Diamond” program is available for those ages 75 to 85.
MedjetAssist membership for an individual is only $205 per year or $325 for family protection. 7, 14 and 21-day short-term membership is also available beginning at $75. Discounted annual rates for groups and organizations are also offered with reduced pricing based on the total number of participants.
We encourage you to explore our site – see for yourself that we offer a wide variety of high value independent and group vacations. We invite you to make personal contact with any of our knowledgeable specialists. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, family reunion, sun ‘n fun getaway, incentive vacation or extended world tour, our East Town Travel specialists have the education and experience to help you plan your trip of a lifetime! We are ready and eager to serve you.
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