Travel Alerts: Consumer Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, State Dept Travel Warnings, Consumer Information

Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, Consumer Travel Info

Determine What Travel Documents You Need

As the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative program moves into its final year of implementation, the Department of Homeland Security has developed this easy-to-read "At a Glance" chart, explaining the new and existing RFID-enabled documents available to travelers for land and sea travel.

Reminder: U.S. / Canada land and sea entry requirements to change on January 31

QUICK LINKS to Important US Customs Travel Documentation

New International Land & Sea Travel Documentation - English [pdf]
Documentos Requeridos para Viajes Internacionales Terrestres y MarÃtimos - Spanish [pdf]
Documents Requis Oour les Voyages Terrestres et Maritimes Internationaux - French [pdf]

Frequent Border Crosser? Speed up your entry with the Trusted Traveler Programs.

Trusted Traveler Program - English [pdf]
Programas Viajero Confiable - Spanish [pdf]
Programmes pour les Voyageurs Dignes de Confiance - French [pdf]

For more information, visit the US Customs & Border Patrol website: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel

Do you have vacation plans booked at a Canadian ski resort or perhaps a Montreal weekend? Are you traveling by car or bus? If so, effective Jan. 31, 2008, a driver's license alone will not be enough to support your entry into the U.S. from Canada.

Effective Jan. 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens (19 and older) will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as 1) a passport or 2) a government issued photo ID and a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry from Canada. Children ages 18 and under are only required to present proof of citizenship (without ID), such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or passport. If a birth certificate is presented, it must be a certified birth certificate [www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm] issued by the city, county or state. A photocopy of a birth certificate will only be accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) if the original has been sent to the Department of State in support of a passport application. In such case, the traveler must obtain and provide proof of passport application at: http://travel.state.gov. These changes are significant as compared to the current and long-standing policy that allows CBP officers to accept oral declarations of citizenship from U.S. and Canadian citizens seeking entry into the United States through a land or sea border. Effective Jan.31, 2008, oral declarations will not be accepted. Please note that travelers holding NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST cards will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel.

In mid-2009, the Department of Homeland Security will require passports, passport cards or WHTI-compliant documents such as NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST cards or Enhanced Drivers' Licenses from ALL travelers at ALL land and sea ports of entry within the Western Hemisphere. (Effective Jan. 23, 2007, all travelers by air must present a passport to depart and enter the U.S. by air.) The State Department intends to make available a Passport Card, which is specifically designed for land and sea travel from neighboring countries, this spring. Americans may begin applying in advance for the passport card on Feb 1, 2008. The primary advantages of the Passport Card are that it will be less expensive and smaller than a traditional passport. In addition, several states including Washington, Vermont and New York are creating an Enhanced Driver's License that will, according to the CBP, also fulfill the proof-of-citizenship requirement at land and sea borders. Further details of these alternative products are unknown. However, CBP says that ample notice of the exact date of implementation will be provided to ensure travelers can obtain the appropriate documents.

Since passports are the gold standard for entering and exiting the country from all foreign destinations, ALL travelers, including those traveling by land or sea in the Western Hemisphere, should be encouraged to obtain, and travel with, a passport. The current turnaround time for a passport is four to six weeks. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport visit www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778. Specific documentation requirements for land, sea and air travel may be found at www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/. To learn more about NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, visit www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/.

More Travel Alerts

New Federal Safety Rules Released for Traveling with Lithium Batteries (Jan 1, 2008)
1. As of January 1, 2008, passengers are no longer permitted to pack loose lithium batteries in their checked luggage. To improve passenger safety, the U.S. Department of Transportation has issued new rules on traveling with lithium batteries to help prevent unintentional short-circuiting and fires.
  
  Common consumer electronics such as digital cameras, cell phones, PDAs and most laptop computers are still allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. You may only keep lithium batteries in a checked bag if they are installed in electronic devices. For carry-on baggage, any loose batteries must be properly protected in original packaging, individual plastic bags or a protective travel case.
  
  In addition, any number of loose batteries stored in your carry-on bag must not exceed eight grams (100-watt hours) of lithium content. Most cell phone and laptop computer batteries are below eight grams of lithium. You may also bring up to two spare batteries with a total of lithium content of 25 grams (300-watt hours). Batteries containing more than 25 grams of lithium are not allowed in either checked or carry-on baggage. If you are unsure of what you have, check the watt-hour rating marked on the battery or contact the manufacturer before your trip.
  
  Click here to read the complete Department of Transportation regulations concerning lithium batteries.
  
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New Travel Document Requirements for Re-Entering the U.S. Become Effective on January 31, 2008 (Jan 31, 2008)
1. Beginning January 31, 2008, all United States and Canadian citizens 19 years and older will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth or naturalization certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver's license, when entering the U.S. through land and sea ports. Children ages 18 and under are only required to show proof of citizenship. If you currently use a passport or Trusted Traveler card, these documents will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel.
  
  This effort is part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which was enacted in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 by Congress to enhance security and increase facilitation of cross-border travel for citizens and travelers. The new requirements call for previously exempt travelers, including citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda, to provide the same documentation already required for all other travelers entering the U.S. Once it is implemented, oral declarations of citizenship will no longer be accepted.
  
  Don't forget that the current turnaround time for a passport is four to six weeks. It is recommended that you apply now if you are planning an upcoming international trip. To learn more about the new document requirements, read the U.S. Customs and Border Protection fact sheet or visit their Web site
  
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Temporary Western Hemisphere Passport Exception Ends Sept. 30 (Sept 30, 2007)
1. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reminding air carriers and the traveling public that the temporary Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) accommodation allowing U.S. citizens to travel by air within the Western Hemisphere using a Department of State (DOS) official proof of passport application receipt will end as scheduled at midnight on Sept. 30, 2007. U.S. citizens who depart the country under this travel accommodation prior to Oct. 1 with a Department of State official proof of passport application receipt and government-issued identification will be readmitted with these same documents if returning to the United States after Sept. 30.
  
  As a reminder, through Sept. 30, 2007, U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for, but not yet received, passports can temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and DOS official proof of application for a passport.
  
  Effective Oct. 1, 2007, U.S. Citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States. For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov.
  
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U.S. Government Delays Land and Sea Passport Requirement for Canada, Mexico and Bermuda and Announces New Phased Initiative (June 20, 2007)
1. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced on June 20, that they have delayed the land and sea passport requirement for Canada, Mexico and Bermuda that was previously scheduled to begin as early as Jan. 1, 2008, and have initiated a new "phased approach" to implementing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). As a result, beginning Jan. 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens have the option, in lieu of a passport or WHTI-compliant alternate document, to present a government-issued photo ID along with a birth certificate at land and sea borders. As part of a future phase, it is anticipated that the WHTI passport requirement for land and sea borders will be rescheduled for mid-year 2008.
  
  As part of this new "phased" initiative, beginning Jan. 31, 2008, DHS will also eliminate the routine practice of accepting oral declarations of citizenship at land and sea borders. All travelers will be required to present physical proof of citizenship as defined by DHS. As a result, if a passport or WHTI-compliant alternate document (passport card, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) is not provided as proof of citizenship, the following options are available:
  
  U.S. and Canadian citizens, except for children as noted below, may present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a copy of a birth certificate. The birth certificate does not need to be certified or contain a raised seal.
  
  U.S. and Canadian citizens 15 and under, as well as children ages 18 and under traveling in designated groups, may present a certified copy of their birth certificate. U.S. children may also present Consular Reports of Birth Abroad or Certificates of Naturalization.
  
  U.S. citizens on round-trip cruise ship voyages that originate and end in the United States may present a government-issued photo ID and either a 1) birth certificate, 2) Consular Report of Birth Abroad or 3) Certificate of Naturalization.
  
  Complete details, including an explanation of WHTI-compliant alternate forms of identification, can be found at: http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1182350422171.shtm and http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1182351923729.shtm.
  
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U.S. Government Temporarily Relaxes Passport Rules for Some Destinations (June 8, 2007)
1. The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced on June 8, 2007, that effective today, U.S. citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air as long as they present both a government-issued photo identification and Department of State official "proof of application." This concession is valid through Sept. 30, 2007. U.S. citizens traveling by land or sea are not yet required by the U.S. government to present a passport and remain unaffected.
  
  Please note: individual Caribbean country entry requirements, as well as some policies by airlines and cruise lines, may still require you to obtain a passport. You are advised to check these policies.
  
  Applicants can obtain their Proof of Application Status either online or by requesting their Proof of Application via e-mail.
  
  However, the U.S. Department of State warns applicants that you may need to wait up to one week for expedited applications and up to four weeks for routine applications before a proof of application can be obtained and printed. In other words, if you filed a non-expedited application very recently and are traveling in less than four weeks, you may not benefit from this accommodation. Similarly, expedited applications where travel is expected in less than a week from the application may not be aided.
  
  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. Currently the U.S. State Department's Passport Services unit is experiencing a major backlog in processing applications. Rather than taking the usual four to six weeks, routine applications or renewals are now taking 10 to 12 weeks, and in some cases, even longer. Even the more expensive expedited service takes about three to four weeks.
  
  If you are in need of a passport for travel to other parts of the world within the next two weeks, call or e-mail the National Passport Information Center. Because the Passport Service unit uses a centralized system, you cannot get your documents faster by submitting applications directly to a regional processing facility. If you need to apply or renew a passport in the very near future, you should submit your applications as soon as possible!
  
  Additional information can be found at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/processing/processing_1740.html or by calling 1-877-4USAPPT.
  
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State Department Updates Worldwide Travel Caution (April 10, 2007)
1. The State Department has updated its Worldwide Travel Caution to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and anti-American violence. According to the public announcement:
  
  "The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings."
  
  You can find the full text of the most recent Worldwide Caution on the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Web page at http://travel.state.gov/.
  
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Passport Requirements for U.S. Citizens Coming Soon (Jan 23, 2007)
1. Attention American travelers without passports: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is changing the rules regarding how you re-enter the United States.
  
  The Initiative will roll out in phases with advance notice before each phase so that the public can meet the terms of the new guidelines. Recent legislation passed by Congress has changed some of the deadlines. The proposed timeline will be as follows:
  
  Air Travel - Passport Deadline: Jan. 23, 2007
  U.S. citizens will be required to have a valid passport for exiting and reentering the United States starting Jan. 23, 2007 for all air travel.
  
  Sea and Land Border Entry Ports - Passport/PASS Card Deadline: June 1, 2009
  U.S. citizens traveling by sea and land within the Western Hemisphere - Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico - will be required to have a valid U.S. passport or a yet-to-be-determined, new economical travel document known as a Passport Card on or before June 1, 2009.
  
  The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will not affect travel between the United States and its territories. U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa will continue to be able to use established forms of identification to board flights and for entry.
  
  TravelSense advises all travelers-even those with no immediate plans to travel in the Western Hemisphere-to apply for passports now to avoid a last-minute crunch. You can always turn to a trusted travel agent to get passport information, updates and, if available, their passport services, along with timely advice on all your travel needs.
  
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Some International Airlines Restrict On-Board Use of Apple, Dell Laptops (Sept. 21, 2006)
1. Korean Air, Qantas and Virgin Atlantic have imposed restrictions on passenger use of certain Apple and Dell laptops. With all three airlines, laptops can still be brought on the plane and used on aircraft outfitted with Seat Power Supplies, but only if the battery is removed. However, power sources are not available on all flights or in many coach sections.
  
  Details: Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, Quantas
  
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UPDATE: Airport Screening Procedures (Nov 6, 2006)

Airport security agencies in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) have modified their airport screening procedures. In the US, the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) has reduced its alert level for UK-US bound flights from RED (severe) to ORANGE (high). In addition, TSA has modified its security procedures and now requires that ALL passengers remove their shoes so they may be X-rayed. Also, some liquids and gels will be allowed on board.

The UK has lowered its security threat level from Critical to Severe, and will allow passengers to carry-on ONE bag or purse of limited size. Also, electronic devices will be allowed.

Liquids, Pastes, Gels and Aerosols Carry-On Policies
	Initial Security Screening	Post-Security Screening (Airport Gate Area)
United States (11/6/2006)	Allowed: Travel-size toiletries of 3 ounces (90 ml / 90 grams) or less that fit comfortably in ONE quart-size (1 liter), clear plastic zip-top bag. See more.[PDF]	Items purchased after clearing security may be brought on-board
Canada (11/6/2006)	Allowed: Travel-size toiletries of 3.4 ounces (100 ml /100 grams) or less that fit comfortably in ONE liter (1 quart), clear plastic zip-top bag	Items purchased after clearing security may be brought on-board*
United Kingdom (11/6/2006)	Allowed: Travel-size toiletries of 100 ml (Approximately 3.4 ounces) or less that fit comfortably in ONE liter, clear plastic zip-top bag	Items purchased after clearing security may be brought on-board*
European Union (11/6/2006)	Allowed: Travel-size toiletries of 100 ml (Approximately 3.4 ounces) or less that fit comfortably in ONE liter, clear plastic zip-top bag	Items purchased after clearing security may be brought on-board*
*NOTE: If your travel plans require a connection in the US, pastes, gels and aerosols purchased at the airport that are larger than 3 ounces or do not fit in your clear plastic bag may need to be checked at your first arrival point in the US.

*If travel plans require a connection in the US, pastes, gels and aerosols purchased at the airport that are larger than 3 ounces and do not fit in your clear plastic bag may need to be included in checked luggage at the first arrival point in the US.
** The EU's policies are only minimum standards and individual countries may have more restrictive policies.

Graphic: U.S. Transportation Security Administration

United States Airport Security Procedures (September 25, 2006)

US Threat Level: The threat level was lowered from red or "severe" to orange or "high" for in-bound flights from the UK. The threat level remains at ORANGE for all domestic and international flights operating in or out of the US.

US Security Procedures - Update (Sept. 26, 2006)
1. Pre-Screening - Passengers may carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounce or less) that fit comfortably in ONE quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag through the security checkpoints.
  
  Post-Screening - Passengers may bring items, including beverages and duty-free items, purchased in the secure gate area on-board the aircraft.
  
  TSA says it is unlikely to make any additional changes to the liquids policy in the near future.
  
  Mandatory shoes removal and screening required for all passengers
  
  Details can be found at: http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/9-25_updated_passenger_guidance.shtm
  
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  United Kingdom's New Security Procedures (Sept. 22, 2006)
  ONE carry-on bag/purse/item is allowed (effective August 15 for Heathrow/Gatwick). Previous size restrictions have been relaxed: now the item must not exceed 22'' (56 cm) x 17.5'' (45 cm) x 9.85'' (25 cm), including wheels, handles, side pockets etc. All items carried by passengers will be x-ray screened.
  
  Any additional bag, such as a camera bag, laptop bag or purse, must fit inside the one carry-on bag or be checked. Also, oversized musical instruments may now be carried-on as a second carry-on if permitted by the carrier. However, individual carrier policies should be verified in advance as some carriers may require the passenger to pay a fee or purchase an extra seat to accommodate the oversized instrument.
  
  Electronic devices are allowed, but laptops and large electrical items (e.g. large hairdryer) must be removed from the bag and placed in a tray so that such items neither obscure nor are obscured by the bag.
  
  Secondary screening for US bound passengers. Passengers boarding flights to the USA and items they are carrying, including those acquired after the initial security screening, will be subjected to secondary search at the gate.
  
  Details can be found at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news/baggage-advice
  
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State Department Will No Longer Amend Passports (Sept. 26, 2005)
1. In an effort to bolster security, the State Department's Passport Services will no longer amend valid passports, effective Sept. 26, 2005. Instead, passport holders requesting name changes, extension of validity for limited passports or correction of a printing error will have to apply for replacement passports using a U.S. Passport Re-Application Form (DS 5504) or an Application for Passport by Mail (DS-82). Forms are available at travel.state.gov
  
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National Passport Information Center Offers Toll-Free Telephone Access (Sept. 26, 2006)
1. The National Passport Information Center (NPIC) offers toll-free telephone access for U.S. passport information. Callers can reach NPIC at (877) 4USA-PPT (877-487-2778). Live operators will be available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Twenty-four hour, seven-day automated information is also be available. See the State Department's Passport Services page at http://travel.state.gov/passport/ for more information.
  
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Federal Trade Commission Cautions Against Bogus International Driving Permits
1. The Federal Trade Commission advises U.S. consumers with plans to drive while traveling abroad that international driving permits (IDPs) are available from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) only, at a cost of less than $20. Ads offering IDPs that consumers may receive through the mail, through unsolicited email, in person or through other channels -- for prices ranging from $60 to $400 -- are scams, according to the FTC
  
  The FTC has more information on bogus international driving permits on its Website at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/idpalrt.htm
  
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