Passpsorts

[BahamaAngie]

I was just advised this weekend that we will now need passports to get back into the US from Bahamas. Everyone aware? Our last trip was April 2006 and we used birth certificates and photo drivers licenses.

[South Pause]

I think if you do a "search" using "passports" on either board, you will find some discussions about this. I seem to recall several threads which announced this requirement.

[DrRalph]

I think the official start date for this policy is Dec 1. The state Dept has been trying to get the word out, there has been confusion because they have changed the effective date a couple of times. Understand, this doesn't relate to getting into the Bahamas, you'll now need a passport to get back into the US. Go down to your local post office and start the process now, it can take a little time. You can't do it two days before you leave, that won't work.

[PattyB]

It normally takes about 6 weeks to get your first passport. The time to do it is now. I predict chaos in the passport office come December, and many disappointed travelers during the winter/spring holiday season.

[patw]

Angie, get moving girl! They mean it this time. I don't know when you plan on coming again but as PattyB said, its going to be chaos in the passport offices and this is the middle of September! I just realized its only 97 more shopping days until Christmas! Where did this year go? I'm getting old! :D

I was just advised this weekend that we will now need passports to get back into the US from Bahamas. Everyone aware? Our last trip was April 2006 and we used birth certificates and photo drivers licenses.

[mlmp]

I renewed my passport two weeks ago and had it expedited for an addtional fee. I had it back in one week. I would recommend doing it sooner rather than later.

[BahamaAngie]

Thanks! My computer was in the "hospital" for 2 weeks so maybe the posting was than as I try and keep up with the Boards. Thanks again, guys. Pat, I am still working on it. Crazy year!

[toledopirate]

I renewed my passport two weeks ago and had it expedited for an addtional fee. I had it back in one week. I would recommend doing it sooner rather than later.

We ordered our family passports this past spring, the passport office was so busy we ended up having to expedite our request just to get them back within six weeks.

[Floridacargocat]

The modified date for implementation by CBP (Customs and Border Protection) is January 8, 2007 (see also http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/west_hemisphere/
for more information. No more birth certificates for returning US citizens.
Have posted this change for quite some time on the "other board". Now there are only 111 days left to get a passport.
I anticipate, that airlines (scheduled and non-scheduled) will be very careful during the reservation process to accept your booking. However if you do all the booking through the internet, there will be no human voice asking you for your passport.The next obstacle will be during the check-in process, when crunch time comes with the question from the check-in person : "Can we please see you passport". Showing a passport for the outbound flight is not required legally, but when you intend to fly back to the USA, the airline will ask you for what kind of a travel document you intend to use (because they have to submit an electronic passenger manifest - latest 15 minutes after departure of the aircraft from the foreign destination; and this is going to change too next year).
Travelers, please be prepared, and have your passports ready.
And this requirements covers all kind of travelers, coming back by boat or airplane from "paradise".