American citizens going on a cruise to the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexico departing from a U.S. port do not need to worry about carrying a passport until January 1, 2008. A birth certificate and driver's license will be accepted for re-entry to the US.

Although the WHIT - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative - regulations will not go into effect for at least a year, advance notice is being provided to encourage cruise passengers to obtain their passports. This new requirement is designed to improve border security and help officials identify a traveler quickly and accurately. In anticipation of this new law, some cruise lines have already started to require passports for their upcoming 2007 itineraries. By January 1, 2008, everyone travelling by sea between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by sea will be required to present a valid passport.

Why wait until the last minute to get your passport? If you are an avid cruiser, now is the time to get it. We all know that carrying a passport is going to be a mandatory travel requirement so avoid the rush! More people will be applying closer to the deadline. Typical wait time to receive a passport is about 8 weeks!

To apply for a passport, you will need to go in person to one of the passport acceptance facilities - probate courts, post offices, public libraries, federal and municipal offices. You will need to bring two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.

To know more about the new travel regulations, please visit the U.S. Department of State and the US Department of Homeland Security websites.