Time To Get A Passport

[Host Walt]

Based on this USA Today article (http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2005-02-16-border-travel_x.htm),
WASHINGTON (AP) — In three years, U.S. citizens and Canadians will have to show passports or a federally issued ID card linked to Homeland Security databases to re-enter the country from across the border.

The intelligence bill passed by Congress last year mandates the new identification requirements be in place by Jan. 1, 2008. ... the Birth Cert. and D/L will no longer work for any international cruise passengers.

[Vic The Parrot]

No pass-a-port .... beeza


:)

[Cruiseoften]

Get a passport :rolleyes: what new about that advice?

[jhannah]

Many posters here have been saying for a long time that passports are best, and that they will be required sooner or later. Looks like we're a smart bunch! Thanks for passing this along, Walt.

[BruceMuzz]

Only 16% of Americans curently own a passport.
Many American cruisers and travelers tell me that their personal safety and security is not worth an investment of $80 for 10 years.
Hard to believe a mentality like that after 9-11.

But at least now America is being forced to join the rest of the world in the 21st century.

[Cruiseoften]

Only 16% of Americans curently own a passport.
Many American cruisers and travelers tell me that their personal safety and security is not worth an investment of $80 for 10 years.
Hard to believe a mentality like that after 9-11.

But at least now America is being forced to join the rest of the world in the 21st century.


OOOOH!! - I'm so glad an American said that!

[Himself]

I always bring a passport when crossing the border. I just renewed mine earlier this week.

Himself

[auntdeedee]

I really hope they plan to dedicate more personnel to passport paperwork acceptance offices.... I recently spent TWO HOURS waiting to get to the window to be processed, and was told that was normal waiting time at that facility. One person waiting said they had been another place and the wait was even longer!

With all the government waste, you'd think some additional manpower could be afforded to work at the post office acceptance windows...... However, after reading your post about becoming mandatory, I'm so glad I went now instead of waiting another couple of years :)

[doone]

I can't believe its taken this long. Never leave home without my passport.

[xpcdoojk]

I believe renewing your passport will increase from $55 to $67 effective Monday. So you might want to go to get your new photos today and mail it off if your passport expires this year.

I mailed mine and DW's Wednesday, and so did our travel companions as our expire in the fall.

jc

[peaches from georgia]

WASHINGTON (AP) — In three years, U.S. citizens and Canadians will have to show passports or a federally issued ID card linked to Homeland Security databases to re-enter the country from across the border.

The intelligence bill passed by Congress last year mandates the new identification requirements be in place by Jan. 1, 2008. ...

LOL. Fast forward to December, 2007 and the posts we will read: "Oh, I had no idea I couldn't use my DL and BCertificate to cruise and now I don't have time to get a passport. And it costs so much. Why didn't somebody tell me?" :D

[love2gogogo]

As of NOW until 2008 BC is still acceptable, right?

[HeatherInFlorida]

I couldn't agree more and DH and I have had passports since the early 80's.

But I actually know people (even friends) who don't want to get a passport because they believe it's an infringement on their "privacy".

Personally, I think this is ridiculous. But a lot of people are that hung up on these things. I just forwarded this article to one of these friends.

Peaches, you are so right! Because the people who feel they don't need passports are the people who won't read this beforehand and they'll be threatening legal action against HAL for not telling them:D . LOL.

Even at $67, I think that's a pretty fair price for 10 years of moving about the globe.

Thanks for posting, Walt.

[love2gogogo]

Based on this USA Today article (http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2005-02-16-border-travel_x.htm), the Birth Cert. and D/L will no longer work for any international cruise passengers.

Confused! It says to be in place Jan.1 2008

[ekerr19]

It's hard for me to understand the mentality... most people I know don't want to be "bothered" and it's just ludicrous.

Americans in general have no understanding of how the rest of the world views us - and this nonchalant attitude regarding the need for a Passport (a given in most other countries) just enforces the "stupid American" attitude we often encounter dealing with other cultures.

Go ahead and flame away - I don't care. There is NO excuse for not obtaining a Passport. We have too many freedoms we continue to take for granted anyway - what's one more?

[xpcdoojk]

I couldn't agree more and DH and I have had passports since the early 80's.

But I actually know people (even friends) who don't want to get a passport because they believe it's an infringement on their "privacy".

Personally, I think this is ridiculous. But a lot of people are that hung up on these things. I just forwarded this article to one of these friends.

Peaches, you are so right! Because the people who feel they don't need passports are the people who won't read this beforehand and they'll be threatening legal action against HAL for not telling them:D . LOL.

Even at $67, I think that's a pretty fair price for 10 years of moving about the globe.

Thanks for posting, Walt.

Well as a proud charter member of the Passport Pushers Society (PPS) (this society started several years ago in the RCI forum):D, it is essential for world travel to have a passport. The $67 price is effective Monday for renewals without expediting. I think a first time passport is a little more expensive.

Anyone without a passport is unable to take advantage of a quick trip to Paris for a romantic weekend. Can never see the Taj Mahal, or about 35 of the worlds other most wonderful sights. Why would anyone want to limit themselves in this manner?:D I bought DW a book called The Places You must Visit before you die, and I think we have accomplished about half of them. Got some travelling to plan!!!!!:cool:

jc

[doone]

Ekerr, you are so right. Why do American's feel they are special and don't need passports when the rest of the world does.

Come on folks, get the passports, don't wait til 2008.

Peaches, you are so right, they'll have no idea about the passports!!!!

[dakrewser]

It's hard for me to understand the mentality... most people I know don't want to be "bothered" and it's just ludicrous.

Americans in general have no understanding of how the rest of the world views us - and this nonchalant attitude regarding the need for a Passport (a given in most other countries) just enforces the "stupid American" attitude we often encounter dealing with other cultures.

Go ahead and flame away - I don't care. There is NO excuse for not obtaining a Passport. We have too many freedoms we continue to take for granted anyway - what's one more?

If you need an asbestos shield, I'm here! :)

But if you need one more arguement:

You get to choose your passport photo. Now, take another look at the picture on your driver's license...

[jhannah]

You get to choose your passport photo. Now, take another look at the picture on your driver's license... :D Good point!

[ekerr19]

If you need an asbestos shield, I'm here! :)

But if you need one more arguement:

You get to choose your passport photo. Now, take another look at the picture on your driver's license...

LOL! So true! I wish I could choose my DL photo - it's horrid.

I might just need your "shield" on the "bringing alcohol" thread... ;)

[dakrewser]

LOL! So true! I wish I could choose my DL photo - it's horrid.

I might just need your "shield" on the "bringing alcohol" thread... ;)

Oh, I think Heather may have deflected all the flamethrowers her way.....:)

[ekerr19]

Oh, I think Heather may have deflected all the flamethrowers her way.....:)

No kidding! She sure is "saucy" this morning, isn't she? ;)

It must be the water. LOL!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Yes, I suspect I have, Dave. I don't know what's gotten into me today.

[RuthC]

Anyone without a passport is unable to take advantage of a quick trip to Paris for a romantic weekend.
I've had a passport for eleven years now. When can I expect to take advantage of this quick trip to Paris for a romantic weekend? :confused:
Or anyplace for a romantic weekend, for that matter? :D

[HeatherInFlorida]

I've had a passport for eleven years now. When can I expect to take advantage of this quick trip to Paris for a romantic weekend? :confused:
Or anyplace for a romantic weekend, for that matter? :D

Ruth, I suggest you direct this question to jc and let us know his response, okay? He's the one promising the romantic weekend and it would be just plain wrong of him not to deliver on it;) .

But I have to say you're in the same good humor some others are and you should get on over to EKerr's "It must be something in the water" thread if you haven't already.

[dakrewser]

I've had a passport for eleven years now. When can I expect to take advantage of this quick trip to Paris for a romantic weekend? :confused:
Or anyplace for a romantic weekend, for that matter? :D

How 'bout a Saturday afternoon in Pawtucket?

:) -dave

[HeatherInFlorida]

Well, now, Ruth ... there's an offer you'll have to think up a way to refuse;)

[xpcdoojk]

Ruth, I suggest you direct this question to jc and let us know his response, okay? He's the one promising the romantic weekend and it would be just plain wrong of him not to deliver on it;) .

But I have to say you're in the same good humor some others are and you should get on over to EKerr's "It must be something in the water" thread if you haven't already.

I actually booked one about 10 years ago, US Scareways had flights from the midwest for Valentine's Day Weekend to Paris for around $400 per person. I spent more for the hotel room than the plane tickets.

jc

[dakrewser]

Well, now, Ruth ... there's an offer you'll have to think up a way to refuse;)

Hey! Pawtucket can be dead sexy if it's twilight (well, full dark with no moon :) ) and you squint!

[RuthC]

How 'bout a Saturday afternoon in Pawtucket?

:) -dave
With dinner in Central Falls? :eek:
No thanks; I'm not that hard up. :rolleyes:

[dakrewser]

With dinner in Central Falls? :eek:
No thanks; I'm not that hard up. :rolleyes:

Hot fudge sundae at the Newport Creamery?

:)

[jhannah]

Hot fudge sundae at the Newport Creamery? Now you're talkin' chocolate! You may have just changed Ruth's outlook! :D

[RuthC]

Hot fudge sundae at the Newport Creamery?

:)
You sure know how to sweet-talk a girl! I'm blushing. :o

[HeatherInFlorida]

Hey! You kids don't need a passport ... you need a room:D

[dakrewser]

Hey! You kids don't need a passport ... you need a room:D

I need a cruise! :cool:

[HeatherInFlorida]

As do I!!! That is if I have any say-so on who's on the cruise with me;)

[RuthC]

Afraid I can't be with you, Heather---I'll be on a romantic weekend. :rolleyes: (yeah, right.)

But (back on topic, now) my passport's up to date! :D