Passports

• • Starting on June 1st, 2009, the U.S. government has issued new passport requirements as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. This affects Americans who are traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean (17 nations) and the island of Bermuda. All air travelers, including children, will need to show their actual passport books on return to the U.S. Americans visiting these countries by land or sea will have to present a valid U.S. passport (or an equivalent travel document) for reentry into the U.S. Children under the age of 16 and children between the ages of 16-18 traveling with organized groups traveling by land or sea, will still be permitted to use birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. Travelers are advised to check the document requirements of the specific countries on their itineraries. Click here for more information on current passport and document requirements.
  • Keep your passport in a safe place while traveling. Before traveling, take a photo of your important documents and send a copy to your own email. This will allow you to access them easily in case they are lost or stolen. Alternatively, take copies of your documents with you and store them separately from the original. Leave another copy with someone at home.
  • Bring additional passport photos in case your documents need to be replaced.
  • Read more information on necessary vaccinations when you travel.