Traveling Over Spring Break
Beginning January 23, 2007, all people traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must have a valid passport. If you don’t, you won’t be allowed back in the country.
And because of this new law, cruising on the high seas is becoming the most popular option, said Suzanne Valentine, a hub city travel agent.
“I have been doing so many more cruises than ever because of this new law. People don’t want to pay the $100 for a passport right now, so they get on a boat and go,”Valentine said.
And if you don’t plan on traveling by air anytime soon and are over fifteen, but instead intend on crossing a border by cruise or car, you aren’t exempt forever. Starting January 1, 2008, you will need a passport as well. While this deadline might be extended, as it was for the passengers traveling by air, don’t count on it; the legislature is doing its best to make sure this date is put into effect.
The Department of Homeland Security though is looking for another option. As soon as January 2008, children under the age of fifteen might not need a passport if traveling by land or sea, as long as they are traveling with both of their parents and a birth certificate. According to the Department of Homeland Security, this is to ease the financial burden on parents who would otherwise need to spend $100 on their child’s passport.
By: Lauren Scott
Graphic Source: Source:http://www.cbp.gov