U.S. Quietly Passes Passport Requirement for Cross-Border Travel

[Pendragon_6]

By D.L. McCracken
Sep 2, 2005

Despite previous assurances from both countries that it wouldn't happen, the United States on Thursday said that their country will require passports for cross-border travel between the U.S. and Canada.

Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security states that their own citizens will require passports to re-enter the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. The new passport law will be enforced as further protection against terrorists entering the United States.

The new passport laws will become effective as of December 31, 2006 for those entering the U.S. through airports and seaports but for those entering the country by land, the laws will be in effect one year later - December 31, 2007.

In Full
Halifax Live (http://www.halifaxlive.com/artman/publish/passport1_020905_882.shtml)

[DoctorDoom]

About damned time. Now do it with Wetbaxico, along with razor-wire barriers and armed border monitors with shoot-to-kill orders.

[Warlady]

Sounds like it does include coming from Mexico. Why does it take so long to come into effect?

[Naturalized-Texan]

I received the following in an e-mail (as you can see, this is old news):

Holland America Line: A Tradition of Excellence
PASSPORT ALERT-PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT NEW PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
FOR U.S. AND CANADIAN CITIZENS.
XXXXXX XXXXXX
Mariner Society #*********

Because you are a valued Mariner Society® Member, we want to make sure that you are aware of the latest information regarding passport requirements.

In April 2005, the U.S. Department of State announced details of the proposed “Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative”. If enacted, U.S. and Canadian citizens will be required to carry a passport for travel to or from certain countries/areas that were previously exempt. As you are making future travel plans, you'll want to keep the proposed implementation dates in mind:

* Beginning December 31, 2005, a passport or other accepted document* will be required for all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.
* Beginning December 31, 2006, a passport or other accepted document* will be required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.
* Beginning December 31, 2007, a passport or other accepted document* will be required for all air, sea and land border crossings.

To avoid a last-minute rush, we encourage you to obtain or ensure you have a valid passport. You'll find more information and helpful resources at the links below.

We look forward to welcoming you back on board a Holland America Line cruise in the future.

Obtaining a Passport in the U.S.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and Time Line

Visa Requirements for U.S. and Canadian Citizens

Holland America Line Documentation Requirements

*Although other valid documentation may be sufficient in some circumstances, the United States Department of Homeland Security has not yet made a final determination as to which forms of documentation may serve as a valid alternative to a passport. For more information, please see http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html which is the United States Department of State's website for passport information, and follow the links to "New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and the Western Hemisphere."

Holland America Line - 300 Elliot Avenue West - Seattle, Washington 98119 - www.hollandamerica.com

[Beowulf]

I bet, I JUST bet that in that passport law there is a hidden provision that exempts Mexicans from needing a passport to cross. It wouldn't surprise me.

[Rink]

LOL as if this law is gonna be a real problem? LOL

When my mom and I went on our one-time cruise (On the Holland America line mind you) We BOTH got our passports in advance when it wasnt even required to do so.

Better safe than sorry I say, especially when traveling outside the US.

That way if there is any problems, troubles accidents etc you will be able to prove you are a US citizen with the passport.

I think this is a very good idea, especially with the increased spate of kidnappings in Mexico and violence south of the border.