Planning the Perfect Honeymoon: Obtaining Travel Documents
Written by Emma McKnight Thursday, 04 February 2010 20:44
How to Plan Your Perfect Honeymoon… #7: Obtaining Your Travel Documents
The US government does not want you to leave the country without proper documents.
The Rule: As of June 1, 2009, US citizens entering the Untied Sates at sea or land ports of entry must have a passport, passport card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
Passports. This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land, and sea. It is valid for air travel and for travel to non-WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) countries. Passports are valid for 10 years. Fees are $100 for adults and $85 for renewals. Per the US State Department the expected turnaround time is four to six weeks for routine applications (two to three weeks for expedited services, which have an increased cost).
Be prepared to travel under your maiden name--unless your honeymoon is a few months after you are married. You simply won’t have the opportunity to send for your passport within the time allowed with documents of your new name.
Passport cards. A new limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet, this card is only valid for travel by land and sea (not air). It is also valid for 10 years. Fees for first-time cards are $45. The passport card is only for re-entry into the US at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda. Expected processing turnaround time is the same as for passports.
Possible exception: The exception to this rule is for “closed loop” cruises. A closed loop cruise is one that begins and ends in the same US port and visits Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. US citizens taking closed loop cruises are not required to have a passport but will need proof of citizenship and a government issued photos ID, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificates and a driver’s license.
If you are planning to honeymoon outside of the US (any type--to WHTI countries--closed loop cruise or not), OBTAIN A PASSPORT. There may be an unforeseen event that may necessitate your need to fly home from a WHTI country and you may not have the correct documentation to enter the US. Applications may be picked up at your local post office.
NOTE: My website offers a link to expedite your passport should you need it sooner. On my home page, click on "Before You Go" for my recommended passport and visa expediter.
Emma McKnight is travel agent specializing in cruise vacations. View her website at: Cruise With Emma or contact her for more information.
