Entry bubble Show Your Passport at the Border

By: Jake | December 08, 2008 | Category: Travel

Passport picture

We've been getting a lot of calls at the National Contact Center about the new passport requirements that take effect on June 1, 2009. People want to apply for or renew a passport now because these new requirements state that U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico and Canada will be required to present a passport or passport card to enter or re-enter the U.S. on June 1. Currently you only need a passport to enter or re-enter the U.S. from a border country by air, but the new requirements will require a passport or passport card to enter or re-enter by land, sea and air.

If you don't have a passport, I suggest you get one ASAP because it could be cheaper, you'll get it quicker and you'll save yourself some headaches. Earlier this year, I found out firsthand that passport fees can rise at the beginning of the year. I know from past experience that processing times will take longer as the deadline approaches and you don't want to pay extra money to expedite your passport.

The current routine processing time for passports is three weeks. Here are the new rules from the Department of State:

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will 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 WHTI-compliant document.
Please Note: Children under age 16 will be able to continue crossing land & sea borders using only a U.S. birth certificate (or naturalization certificate) after the new law takes effect in June. The original birth certificate or a copy may be used. See the Department of Homeland Security's Ready, Set.. Go! for more information on the changing travel requirements.

The good news is if you're going directly to Puerto Rico or another of the U.S. territories, they're considered part of the U.S., so you don't need a passport! Makes a great case for visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands!

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: canada   jake   mexico   passport   travel  

 

Entry bubble Vancouver 2010!

By: Jake | August 25, 2008 | Category: Fun

Team USA struck gold in the Beijing Olympics. To me, the highlights were Michael Phelps winning a record 8 gold medals, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin pretty much dominating women's gymnastics and the USA Men's Basketball team making like the Dream Team and winning a gold medal. Jake at Whistler Mountain

As crazy as it may sound, I am already excited about the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. It makes sense though, since I had a really good time in Vancouver this summer and I am a sucker for skiing, ice hockey, bobsledding and many of the other winter events.

When I was in Vancouver, it was easy to get into the spirit, since construction crews were building event venues and widening the Sea to Sky Highway that connects Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, site of the alpine, Nordic and sliding events. Like China, I also think that Vancouver has neat cultural offerings that will give their games a distinct feel. Here is what you can expect to see a lot of in 2010:

  • Inukshuk – I am standing in one of these in the picture. The Inuit people of Canada stacked stones in human form across the landscape as guideposts for travelers. Over time, the inukshuks became a symbol of hope and friendship and they are the inspiration for the Ilanaaq—the official symbol of the 2010 Olympic Games.
  • Totem Poles – Another symbol of British Columbia's indigenous past. They are a very popular attraction in the province's capital of Victoria and Vancouver's Stanley Park, one of the largest city parks in North America.
  • Quatchi – One of three Vancouver Olympic mascots, Quatchi is a young sasquatch that inhabits the woods of British Columbia, like the legendary beast his creators were inspired by.

Keep in mind the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games take place at Boise, Idaho in February. But for now, what was your favorite moment from the Olympics?

| View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: canada   jake   olympics   sports   vancouver