U.S. Passport RulesU.S. Passport rules are changing on a regular basis. Here are the current regulations.Before making final plans, I would advise that you check first with the State Department.
Current Passport RequirementsOn June 1, 2009, a new American law known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require U.S. citizens 16 years of age or over who re-enter the United States by land and sea to have a passport or other appropriate secure document like a NEXUS card.Until this date arrives, U.S. citizens 19 years and older who enter the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere will need to present government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license as proof of identity, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, or a passport. Children age 18 and under will be able to enter with proof of citizenship. Verbal claims of citizenship and identity alone will not be sufficient to establish identity and citizenship for entry into the United States. Accepted Travel DocumentsWHTI currently requires anyone, including U.S. citizens, entering or re-entering the United States by air to have a passport or a NEXUS card when used at a NEXUS kiosk at designated airports.
Click on the country name,(In this case, click on Western Hemisphere, then Canada) then look for "ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS". This will tell you what documents you will need and how to get them. Again, you may find them here. Keep Passport CurrentMost countries require that your passport be valid for up to six months after the end of your trip. If you are traveling to France, for example, from March 1 to March 15, your passport must be valid until September 15.A U.S. passport costs $100 total, and it's good for 10 years. With the trend towards requirement of the passport for all travel outside of the U.S. and it's territories, the best course of action is to just get the passport - then you'll be ready for anything!
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