As of June 1, 2009 - The U.S. government has started to implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
What does this mean? On Monday June 1st, 2009, all Mexico, Carribean, and Canada cruise passengers will need a valid passport (or a new passport ID card) to re-enter the United States after a cruise EXCEPT for what are known as a “closed loop cruises.” A closed-loop cruise is one that stays within the Western Hemisphere and leaves and returns from the same place.
Ready, Set…Go!
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