| Travel rules, regulations and restrictions have changed | | | | |
| considerably in the last decade, particularly since the | | | | It is important to note that travelers are not required |
| terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. US | | | | to carry a US passport for domestic flights. There |
| passports are in high demand since they are currently | | | | is no stipulation regarding domestic air travel in the |
| a requirement for certain types of travel. Other | | | | Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. However, |
| types of travel do not require a US passport, though | | | | there is speculation by travel experts and |
| the rules will be changing again in the coming months | | | | government groups that one day a US passport may |
| and years. If you are planning air travel in the near | | | | be required even for domestic flights. This policy |
| future, you're probably wondering what rules apply to | | | | would fall into line with a number of other countries, |
| you. | | | | particularly in Europe and the UK. These countries |
| | | | | currently require locals and foreigners alike to present |
| The changes that have occurred in land, sea and air | | | | a passport for everything travel related, including |
| travel regulations have come about as the result of | | | | domestic air travel and hotel stays. |
| the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. This | | | | |
| program was launched in 2004 in response to the | | | | It is also important to note that the documentation |
| drafting of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism | | | | required for air travel is stricter than the rules for |
| Prevention Act of 2004. It was enacted to | | | | travel by land and sea. As of January 31, 2008 land |
| strengthen the security of US borders without | | | | and sea travel can be undertaken without a US |
| making it prohibitive for US citizens and legitimate | | | | passport. In lieu of a US passport, travelers must |
| foreign visitors to cross American borders. The | | | | present a legal form of government photo |
| Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a joint effort | | | | identification AND a proof of citizenship document |
| between the United States, Canada, Mexico, | | | | (birth certificate or naturalization certificate.) Air |
| Bermuda and the Caribbean region. The Western | | | | travelers have been caught in the confusion in the |
| Hemisphere Travel Initiative dictates a uniform | | | | past few years and some have unfortunately found |
| standard of documentation which is required by | | | | themselves stranded in airports because they were |
| every person wishing to enter and leave the areas | | | | unaware that air travel requirements differ from |
| which are covered by this agreement. | | | | other types of travel. |
| | | | | |
| The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has been | | | | The final stage of the Western Hemisphere Travel |
| implemented in several stages in order to give the | | | | Initiative will take effect in June, 2009. In |
| public time to prepare for the changes. The first | | | | anticipation of this, travel agents and US government |
| stage to affect air travel was enacted in January of | | | | officials are urging that all American citizens apply for |
| 2007. The standard of required documentation for | | | | a US passport. A US passport is the only |
| air travel has not changed since, though changes to | | | | worldwide, universally-accepted form of travel |
| land and sea travel have occurred in that time. | | | | identification. While Americans will still be able to |
| According to the Western Hemisphere Travel | | | | cross land borders without one after June of 2009, a |
| Initiative, all foreign air travel (i.e. airplanes leaving the | | | | US passport will speed up the process considerably |
| United States) requires a US passport both to leave | | | | and make for fewer delays at border crossing |
| and re-enter the US. | | | | stations. |