Update on Temporary Repeal of Passport Requirement for Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Bermuda

Courtesy of ASTA

As announced on June 8, U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda who have applied for, but have not yet received passports, can temporarily (through Sept. 30) enter and depart from the United States by air with a valid government-issued photo identification and State Department official proof of application. Travelers must be warned that this relief only applies to U.S. citizens entering and exiting the United States. Travelers also must determine the entry and exit requirements of each country they plan to visit. For example, some countries may require U.S. citizens traveling under this exemption to provide either their original birth certificate or a certified copy of their birth certificate containing a raised seal. In addition, some Caribbean countries continue to indicate that U.S. citizens must present a passport to enter and exit their country. Finally, only under very limited conditions can U.S. citizens travel to Cuba, and must also provide a passport and visa. Because entry and exit requirements can vary from country to country, travelers should be advised to plan ahead and obtain a passport whenever possible. If that is not possible, it is important that travelers planning to travel under this program verify the entry and exit requirements of the countries they plan to visit. Individual entry and exit requirements can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html. Links to additional information, including Proof of Application, can be found at http://travel.state.gov.