Travel/Security Update
 


 

Land & Sea Entry Requirements Changed on Jan. 31st

Effective Jan. 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens (19 and older) will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as 1) a passport or 2) a government issued photo ID and a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry from Canada. Children ages 18 and under are only required to present proof of citizenship (without ID), such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or passport. If a birth certificate is presented, it must be a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state. A photocopy of a birth certificate will only be accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) if the original has been sent to the Department of State in support of a passport application. In such case, the traveler must obtain and provide proof of passport application at: http://travel.state.gov. Effective Jan. 31, 2008, oral declarations will not be accepted. Travelers holding NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST cards will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel.

In mid-2009, the Department of Homeland Security will require passports, passport cards or WHTI-compliant documents such as NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST cards or Enhanced Drivers' Licenses from ALL travelers at ALL land and sea ports of entry within the Western Hemisphere. (Effective Jan. 23, 2007, all travelers by air must present a passport to depart and enter the U.S. by air.) Travelers are encouraged to obtain, and travel with, a passport. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport visit: www.travel.state.gov.

 

Safe Travel with Batteries and Devices
Air Travel

Effective January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation will prohibit loose lithium batteries in checked baggage. For more information, visit the Transportation Security Administration website, click here.

 

State Department Updates Passport Policy

(June 11, 2007) - The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced that U.S. citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can temporarily enter and depart from the United States with a government issued photo identification and a Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007.

Obtaining Proof of Passport Application-

  • Go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.
  • Select the link “To check your passport application status and to print out passport application proof”. Fill in the information and submit.
  • Print out the confirmation document; it will serve as official proof of a pending passport application.

Applicants will need to present this proof of application to airline representatives when entering and departing the United States and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers when re-entering the United States.

U.S. Citizens over age 16 must also carry a government-issued photo identification card, such as a driver’s license or military I.D.

For countries other than Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean and Bermuda, U.S. Citizens must still meet the entry requirements of the country they are visiting. Information on international entry requirements is available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html#a.

Tips for New Passport Applicants

  • It currently takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks to process, issue, and deliver a passport.
  • If travel is within a twelve week timeframe, consider requesting Expedited Passport Service. If choosing Expedited Service, be sure to enclose the required fees and write "EXPEDITED" on the outside of the envelope.
  • Include in your application the dates and destinations for anticipated travel.
  • Fully complete the application and check it for accuracy before signing in the presence of the Passport Acceptance Agent.

Frequently Asked Questions for Americans with pending passport applications are available at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3254.html.

For additional information on the pending passport applications go to the U.S. Department of State website at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

 

 

 

TSA Holiday 3-1-1 Tips

Knowing that holiday travel brings inexperienced and infrequent travelers to airports, we’d like to provide holiday-specific 3-1-1 information to help you get through the security checkpoints smoothly and quickly.

TSA’s 3-1-1 program means:

  • Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers three ounces or less,
  • Items must be put in a one quart, clear plastic zip-top bag, and
  • Only one zip-top bag per passenger.

Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package they may have to unwrap your gift. Please wrap gifts after arriving at your destination.

Apply 3-1-1 to gifts. 3-1-1 isn’t just about shampoo and toothpaste. Food items such as jams, salsas, sauces, syrups and dips will not be allowed through the checkpoint unless they are in containers three ounces or less and in the passenger’s one quart zip-top bag. This applies to gift items including lotions, creams, scented oil, liquid soaps, perfumes, and even snow globes, that are in excess of three ounces -- even if they are in sealed gift packs. We suggest you ship these items prior to your trip or put them in your checked baggage.

Any of these items WILL be allowed on the plane IF you purchase them after the security checkpoint. TSA allows liquid items purchased after the checkpoint onto planes because these items have been previously screened.

Know what items are prohibited on planes. A gift you plan to bring in your carry-on bag might be on TSA’s Prohibited Item list. These items delay the screening process for you and other passengers. If you’re not sure which items are allowed, click here to see the list of prohibited items.

Arrive on time. Check with your carrier for suggested arrival times. You must have a boarding pass and valid government photo ID to enter the security checkpoint. Give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.

Dress the part. Metal in your clothing may set off the walk-through metal detector. Pack coins, keys, jewelry, belt buckles and other metal items in your carry-on bag. Shoes must be removed and screened by TSA, so wear shoes you can easily take on and off to speed the process. Winter coats, blazers, suit jackets and bulky sweaters also must be removed and put in the bin for screening. Learn more about the screening experience, dressing the part, and what to expect.

Be considerate and save jokes for after the checkpoint. Our security officers are working to keep bombs off of airplanes. Please follow their directions. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated, and will result in delays and possibly missed flights.

 

PASSPORT REQUIREMENT UPDATE

Air Travel
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport to enter (or re-enter) the United States. 

U.S. lawful permanent residents will continue to be able to use their Alien Registration Card (Form I-551) issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other valid evidence of permanent residence status to apply for entry to the United States.  

Cruise Travel
As early as January 1, 2008, subject to U.S. Government amendment, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. 

Until that time, the following travel document requirements apply: 

International Travel
• A valid passport is required; visas are required where they apply. This includes Europe, Asia, Central and South America. 

Domestic Travel
• For domestic travel which includes: the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, a passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended.

• In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or a certified copy), plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency is required.

• A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship.

• Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID.

Our Recommendation
We strongly recommend that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This greatly assists guests who may need to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship’s departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons. 

Guests who cruise just prior to or after January 23, 2007, who need to fly to the United States before their cruise ends will likely experience significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the United States if they do not have a valid U.S. passport with them. 

For additional passport information visit www.travel.state.gov. Or if you prefer, contact Passport Express at www.passportservices.com/celebrity for applications and assistance. 

Non-U.S. Citizens
You will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of your Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status. 

Visa Waiver Program
Citizens from the Visa Waiver Program countries of: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunel, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom seeking to enter the United States will be required to have in their possession a machine readable passport valid for the duration of the voyage. A machine readable passport is one having an alphanumeric code on the bottom of the picture page.

Example: P<<UKDOE<<JOHN<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<1234567890M1234567890M1234567890<1234567890

Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving in the U.S. on or after October 26, 2005 with passports issued on or after this date must present passports with a digital photograph. 

Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving in the U.S. on or after October 26, 2006 with passports issued on or after that date must present a

biometric passport or obtain a visa for entry into the United States.


 

Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1

3 –1–1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Prescription medications, baby formula and milk are allowed in quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

 

 


Travel Tips to be Prepared for Enhanced Security
Be Prepared for Enhanced Security - Smart Security Saves Time

Due to increased security measures, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommend that domestic passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their flight. International passengers are encouraged to allow additional time and to check with the air carrier.

To expedite the screening process, please pack all liquids and gels - including shampoo, toothpaste, perfume, hair gel, suntan lotion and all other items with similar consistency in your checked baggage.  Carrying liquids of any sort to the screening checkpoint will cause you delays, and will most likely result in the item being confiscated.

All shoes must be removed for X-ray screening. Screening shoes by X-ray is an effective method of identifying any type of anomalies including explosives. Requiring all passengers to remove shoes increases both security and efficiency at the checkpoint.

Every passenger can assist in ensuring that flights are safe and hassles minimized:

  • Pack lightly, without clutter, to facilitate easy screening
  • Ensure that all liquids are packed in your checked baggage
  • Do not bring liquids or lighters to the security checkpoint
  • Review the Permitted and Prohibited Items List prior to traveling to expedite passing through the screening checkpoint
  • Cooperate with TSA personnel at checkpoints and with airline personnel at gates
  • Be attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity and report it to authorities

Passengers traveling to the United Kingdom will be subject to more extensive security screening processes, including a physical inspection of baggage at the departure gate.

As a customer service initiative, we are providing security checkpoint wait time information to assist travelers in planning for their next flight.  The wait times are historical so please note actual wait time may vary depending on factors including weather delays, which result in increased passenger levels.

When calculating arrival time, remember to build in time for non-security related issues, including parking, and ticketing/checking in with your airline. Please consult your airline and airport for additional guidance on arrival time.

To view detailed information, visit the Transportation Security Administration's website at: www.tsa.gov

 

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