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FINAL Passport Rule Issued for Land and Sea Borders (March 27, 2008)
Yesterday, the Departments of Homeland Security and of State issued the final rulemaking concerning the requirements of passports for land and sea border crossings under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After years of development following 9/11, this ruling is the end of the process and can be considered FINAL when helping you ensure that you have the proper identification when traveling.
Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers:
U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship* and government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category.
*Documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State
All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov.
The good news for a majority of cruise passengers – American citizens that leave and return on their cruise from the same U.S. port – is that the travel document requirements will remain largely unchanged from how the industry is operating today.
We continue to encourage travelers to obtain passports to allow the broadest travel opportunities. Visit www.travel.state.gov to obtain information on how to apply at more than 9,000 passport acceptance facilities in the United States.
Kenya Tourist Board
The Kenya Tourist Board said hopes are high that the political settlement will restore Kenya to its position as one of the most stable and successful countries in Africa, the board reported. The security situation throughout Kenya was calm and peaceful in all areas with a mood of relief and celebration following the announcement of the power-sharing agreement. The U.S. State Department has updated travel information for Americans traveling to Kenya on its website. For more information, visit www.travel.state.gov. In addition, travelers can visit the U.S. Embassy site in Nairobi at www.kenya.usembassy.gov. U.S. travelers into Kenya should register through the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi at: http://travelregistration.state.gov.
The Kenya Tourist Board said it will advise if there are any changes in the situation in Kenya, but at present it continues to welcome North American travelers and it said all tourism infrastructure units are operating as normal. It is monitoring the situation carefully and will continue to distribute updates on the status of this situation if changes arise.
Updates can be accessed on www.magicalkenya.com and also www.kenyaagent.com. For additional information, contact the Kenya Tourist Board at 866-44-KENYA or email infousa@magicalkenya.com.
For U.S. Citizens:
Air Travel
All U.S. citizens including children must present a passport or secure travel document when entering the United States by air.
Land/Sea Travel
Beginning January 31, 2008, the United States will end the practice of accepting oral declarations of citizenship at the border.
U.S. citizens ages 19 and older must present documentation that proves both identity and citizenship. Identification documents must include a photo, name and date of birth. View the complete list of acceptable documents at CBP.gov.
Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
Kenya Tourism Celebrates Resolution of Political Standoff
Published on: March 3, 2008
The Kenya Tourist Board reported that an agreement was signed between the country's two political leaders, President Kibaki and Raila Odinga, to end the political impasse following the disputed elections two months ago and to restore peace and harmony to Kenya. The agreement was the result of a five-hour meeting on Friday attended by President Kikwete of Tanzania, who is the current chairman of the African Union, and Kofi Annan, the former U.N.
secretary general, who has acted as mediator, with the participation of both President Kibaki and Raila Odinga. At a press conference Friday in Nairobi following the successful conclusion of the meeting, Annan announced that a power-sharing agreement had been achieved. The political settlement agreed upon by both party leaders has created the new post of prime minister, to be held by Odinga, with a coalition government of the two main parties in which cabinet posts would be shared between them. Parliament will convene this Thursday to pass a constitutional amendment to approve the changes agreed upon. The power-sharing agreement brings the two opposing sides together in a coalition government on terms agreeable to all. It has provided the political solution which had been sought to allow the country to recover from the trauma and civil unrest which followed the announcement of the election results. Beginning January 31, 2008 the Department of Homeland Security:
DHS Announces Proposed Passport Flexibility for U.S. & Canadian Children at Land & Sea Borders - Release Date: February 22, 2007
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: (202) 282-8010
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today its intent to propose, as part of the forthcoming Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), significant flexibility regarding travel documents required for U.S. and Canadian children as part of WHTI requirements for U.S. land and sea border entry in 2008.
As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea will be required to present a valid passport or other WHTI compliant documents, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
This proposal, which will be subject to public comment as part of the rulemaking process on the WHTI, would allow U.S. and Canadian citizens, ages 15 and younger with parental consent, to cross the border at land and sea ports with a certified copy of their birth certificate as an alternative to a passport or other WHTI compliant identity card. U.S. and Canadian citizen children, ages 16 through 18, traveling with public or private school groups, religious groups, social or cultural organizations or teams associated with youth athletics organizations would also be able to enter, under adult supervision, with a certified copy of their birth certificate.
The initial phase of WHTI travel document requirements went into effect last month, obligating all air travelers, regardless of age, to present a passport for entry to the United States. The DHS proposal announced today does not affect the requirements for air travel.
The Department of State will soon issue final regulations that will allow it to issue to U.S. citizens a lower cost alternative to a passport, the Passport Card. DHS will continue to issue WHTI compliant border crossing documents for frequent border crossers under its trusted traveler programs.
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 mandated the WHTI travel document requirements. A formal proposed rule addressing land and sea travel will be published at a later date, with additional details on requirements for travelers entering the United States through land and sea border crossings.
Cruise Ship Safety - A Statement from CLIA - April 9, 2007
Following the Sea Diamond incident in Greece last week, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) wants to reiterate its commitment to safety and security. Although Louis Cruise Lines is not a CLIA member, we’re aware that the broad media coverage of the incident may raise questions regarding overall safety issues. CLIA and its member lines place the safety and security of our passengers and crew as our highest priority. Below is information on what the cruise industry does to ensure safety:
- The occurrence of any cruise vessel collision incident is rare in and of itself. For the ship to have such extensive hull damage and sink is extraordinarily rare.
- Overall, the cruise industry maintains an excellent safety record. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, cruising today is one of the safest ways to travel.
- At the beginning of every cruise, passengers attend a mandatory muster station drill. During this drill, passengers learn where to go and what to do in case of emergency.
- All crewmembers are trained and drilled regularly in safety procedures in accordance with international regulations and know what to do in case of an emergency.
- For ships calling on U.S. ports, the U.S. Coast Guard conducts inspections to assure compliance with safety regulations. Part of a Coast Guard inspection includes overseeing fire and abandon-ship drills conducted by the ships’ crew, including a practice launch of the lifeboats.
- The cruise industry complies with all international safety standards governing the operation of cruise vessels worldwide, including the Convention of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). In accordance with these regulations, cruise ships are designed to withstand and minimize damage with watertight compartments and fire zones.
- As an industry standard, each CLIA member cruise ship provides additional lifejackets on board in excess of the number required by international regulations.
- Cruise ships regularly use local pilots, trained mariners who are most familiar with waterways surrounding a port, to safely steer the ship into and out of the area.
This incident has touched many lives and it certainly was a daunting time for those on board, as we have seen in media reports. The cruise industry is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable vacation.
The Truth About Cruise Ship Safety and Security
The highest priority of the cruise industry is the safety and security of its passengers and crew. With more than 11 million vacationers cruising each year, the cruise lines take every appropriate measure to ensure that their guests are safe and experience enjoyable vacations.
While people are far safer on board a cruise ship than in virtually any community in the United States, on rare occasions, incidents may happen. You have most likely heard media reports of people who have gone missing from cruise ships. These tragedies have spurred further media reports and speculation, and even congressional hearings.
Cruising remains one of the safest vacations available, with an outstanding record of safety and security. In fact, when compared with the FBI's land-based crime statistics in the United States, cruise passengers are much safer on board a cruise ship than ashore.
While instances of crime on board cruise ships are rare, it is important that whenever traveling to be observant of one's possessions and surroundings at all times. Cruise passengers are reminded of this, as they are in any hotel, by safety information, daily bulletins, port visit briefings and the provision of a room safe or safety deposit box. In the event of an incident, the cruise industry takes all allegations and incidents very seriously, reports them to the proper authorities and fully cooperates in any investigation. In many instances, cruise lines do not publicly disclose detailed information to comply with directions from law enforcement and out of respect for grieving families.
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Cruise ships are comparable to secure buildings with 24-hour security. Every person on board a cruise ship, from the captain to the cleaning staff and all guests, are placed on official manifests. When sailing to or from U.S. ports , these manifests are provided to U.S. federal law enforcement officials – prior to the ship's departure – to compare to U.S. databases.
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Guests should be very comfortable with the security measures they see during their cruise vacation. These include the screening of 100 percent of all luggage, carry-ons and provisions coming onto our ships. Screening is done with X-ray machines, metal detectors and human and detector dog searches .
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Cruise lines operate within a legal framework under which international, federal and state authorities investigate crimes on board cruise ships. Unlike most instances of shore side crime, the FBI has the authority to investigate and prosecute alleged crimes in international waters involving Americans.
Cruising is among the most popular vacation options in large part because of its excellent safety record and the high level of quality service cruise ships provide. The industry will continue to do its part to maintain a safe, secure and healthy shipboard environment.
Information provided by Terry Dale, President & CEO of Cruise Lines International Association and Michael Crye, President of International Council of Cruise Lines
New Passport Requirements: Passports Required for Air Travel to US as of January 23, 2007
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q. What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative?
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers.
Q. Why is the U.S. government implementing the travel initiative?
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) mandated that the U.S. Secretaries of Homeland Security and State develop and implement a plan to require U.S. citizens and foreign nationals to present a passport or other appropriate identity and citizenship documentation when entering the United States.
For many years, U.S. citizens, and some citizens of other countries in the Western Hemisphere including Canadians and Mexicans with Border Crossing Cards (BCCs or “Laser Visas”), have not been required to present a passport to enter the United States. Currently, a traveler may make a verbal declaration of citizenship, or present other forms of documents to enter the country that cannot currently be validated or verified in a timely manner, such as birth certificates and driver’s licenses.
Q. When will the travel initiative be implemented?
In the proposed implementation plan, the initiative will be implemented in two phases. The proposed timeline will be as follows:
January 8, 2007 – Passports, Merchant Mariner Documents (MMDs) or NEXUS Air cards would be required for all air travel from within the Western Hemisphere for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda. This is a change from the previously scheduled date of January 1, in order to accommodate holiday travel.
January 1, 2008 – It is anticipated that on January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes may permit a later deadline, both the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to put all requirements in place by the original deadline. Advance notice will be provided to enable the public meet the land/sea border requirement.
Q. Originally, the proposed date of implementation for the air phase was January 1, 2007. Why the change?
The Departments of Homeland Security and State proposed the new date in response to comments from the airline industry in order to help facilitate holiday travel.
Q. What impact does recent legislation have on the date of implementation for the land and sea phase?
While recent legislative changes may permit a later deadline, both the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to put all requirements in place to implement the land and sea phase by the original deadline of January 1, 2008. Advance notice will be provided to enable the public meet the land/sea border requirement.
Q. Which travel documents will be accepted under the travel initiative?
U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, and may also use a U.S. passport to when traveling via sea and land borders (including ferry crossings).
The Passport Card (also referred to as the PASS Card): This limited-use passport in card format is currently under development and will be available for use for travel only via land or sea (including ferries) between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Similar in size to a credit card, it will fit easily into a wallet.
We anticipate that these documents will continue to be acceptable for their current travel uses under WHTI: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, and the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. As proposed, members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling orders will continue to be exempt from the passport requirement.
Q. How do I get a passport?
United States citizens can visit the State Department’s web site http://travel.state.gov, or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center: (877) 4USA-PPT. Please allow 6 weeks for processing of the passport application. If you need to travel urgently and require a passport sooner, please visit http://travel.state.gov for additional information on expedited processing. Peak domestic passport processing is between January and July. For faster service, we recommend applying between August and December. U.S. citizens living outside the U.S. should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain passports.
Q. How many U.S. citizens currently hold passports?
Over 70 million U.S. citizens hold valid passports, an estimated quarter of the eligible population. The number of passport applications and issuances continues to grow. In fiscal year 2006, the U.S. Department of State issued over 12.1 million passports.
Q. Will travelers from U.S. territories need to present a passport to enter the United States?
No. These territories are a part of the United States. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the U.S. territory and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Q. Will children be required to present passports under the rule?
Yes, children will be required to present a passport when entering the United States at airports. More information on obtaining a passport for a minor can be found at http://travel.state.gov.
Q. Other than a passport, what types of documents will be acceptable under this initiative for air travel?
The passport issued to international standards is the document of choice because of its security features, its compatibility with current infrastructure in our ports of entry, and its use of international standards and interoperability with all other countries. Individuals traveling by air within the Western Hemisphere will be required to present a passport for admission to the U.S. with limited exceptions.
DHS and State have also proposed accepting two other documents for air travel, in addition to the passport. The first is the Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or “z-card” issued by the U.S. Coast Guard to merchant mariners, which includes a fingerprint background check submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a National Driver Register check and a drug test. The other document proposed to be accepted for air travel is the NEXUS Air card, for which enrollment is limited to citizens of Canada and the United States, lawful permanent residents of the United States and permanent residents of Canada. Details on this program can be found at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/frequent_traveler/nexus_air.xml or by contacting Customs and Border Protection.
Q. What happens to U.S. citizens who attempt to re-enter the country without a passport or an alternative travel card?
Under the law, the new documentation requirements may be waived under certain circumstances. These exceptions include individual cases of unforeseen emergency and individual cases based on “humanitarian or national interest reasons.” In addition, the State Department has processes to assist U.S. citizens overseas to obtain emergency travel documentation for those with lost or stolen passports.
For the general public, people who apply for entry but do not have appropriate documentation will be referred for secondary screening at the port. In secondary, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will evaluate any evidence of citizenship or identity the individual may have and will verify all information against available databases. However, to prevent delay at the ports of entry, we would encourage all U.S. citizens to obtain the appropriate documents before they travel.
Q. How is the U.S. Government implementing the travel initiative?
DHS and the Department of State are engaged in a rulemaking process to implement the WHTI. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is an agency’s method of informing the public about proposed regulations. An NPRM includes a comment period during which the public may provide written comments to the rulemaking agency. These comments are considered and responded to in the Final Rule.
A joint Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - Department of State (State) Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) was published in the Federal Register on September 1, 2005. During the 60-day public comment period following the ANPRM, more than 2,000 comments were submitted. An NPRM issued by DHS and State related to air travel was published on August 11, 2006. The Final Rule on documentary requirements for air travel under WHTI will be published in the near future.
A third State Department NPRM for a proposed passport card to be used at the land and sea borders was published separately on October 17, 2006.
Q. Can the general public provide input into the planning and implementation of the travel initiative?
As with the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking provides the general public an opportunity to submit written comments. Comments on the passport card NPRM may be submitted on or before December 18, 2006. Comments may be submitted via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov.
Q. There have been concerns within the travel and tourism industry about the effect that the passport requirement will have on the economy. How is this being addressed?
DHS has prepared a separate economic analysis, known as the Regulatory Assessment (RA), which is summarized in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published August 11, 2006 and is available in full for review and public comment from the Federal Register docket. DHS has determined that the benefits – facilitation of travel and increased security in the air and sea environments – justify the potential costs. A complete and detailed “Regulatory Assessment” can be found in the docket for this rulemaking: www.regulations.gov; see also www.cbp.gov. For further information, please contact DHS.
Norovirus Information:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 23 million people in the United States (representing eight percent of the population), contract norovirus each year. In contrast, less than one percent of all cruise guests are affected each year. While the vast majority of these cases are land-based and not related to leisure cruising, news stories focusing on incidents occurring aboard cruise ships may lead travelers to ask questions or express concern about seagoing vacations.
As always, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew is the cruise industry’s highest priority.
This document provides travelers with the latest norovirus information, including preventative steps being taken by the cruise lines and ways guests can reduce their risk.
The facts are as follows, according to the most recent information:
During the past winter, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported increased cases of norovirus across the United States in hospitals, day care centers, nursing homes and schools.
With the reported increase in norovirus cases on land, there could be a corresponding increase aboard cruise ships.
According to CDC, the cruise lines have the world’s highest sanitation standards. Rigorous cleaning procedures are in place to disinfect and sanitize public areas including door handles, railings and elevator buttons.
Cruise lines employ extensive cleaning protocols and sanitation measures, which are increased when illness is reported on board a ship. Additionally, Dave Forney, chief of CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, adds that “Cruise lines work meticulously and effectively to actually break the cycle of transmission during most cruises.”
Cruise lines participate in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program and are required to report every case of gastrointestinal illness. Nowhere else in the U.S. public health system is norovirus a reportable illness.
The most effective measure guests can take to prevent this temporary but uncomfortable condition is to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Guests who experience norovirus symptoms should follow the shipboard medical staff’s guidance to prevent spreading the illness. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps and may last one to two days. The most common means of transmission is person-to-person contact.
Should you seek additional information, including more on norovirus and proper hand-washing techniques, please visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov or the Vessel Sanitation Program’s Web site at www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp.
The Departments of State and Homeland Security announced today that the requirement for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to present a passport to enter the United States when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere will begin on January 23, 2007.
This change in travel document requirements is the result of recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission, which Congress subsequently passed into law in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. These new travel document requirements make up the Departments' Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). In order to obtain national security benefits as quickly as possible, and to expedite the processing of arriving passengers, the plan will be implemented in two phases.
The first phase involves travel by air and requires all citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States from within the Western Hemisphere. The final rule for the air phase of the WHTI rule will be published in the Federal Register on November 24, where it can be viewed at www.regulations.gov . That rule is also available on the Department's consular web site, travel.state.gov and on the Department of Homeland Security's web site, www.dhs.gov.
A separate proposed rule addressing land and sea travel will be published at a later date proposing specific requirements for travelers entering the United States through land and sea border crossings. As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea could be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible.
The Department has dedicated additional resources and personnel to meet the increased demand for passports generated by these requirements. In Fiscal Year 2006, the Department issued a record 12.1 million passports to American citizens, and anticipates issuing 16 million passports in Fiscal Year 2007. U.S. citizens can find information about how to apply for a passport at travel.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778.
