Your Passport: Don't Leave Home Without It
You may be used to flying into the United States from Canada and Mexico without a passport, but that will change this winter.
Effective January 2007, U.S. citizens, as well as foreign nationals, must have a valid passport to travel by airplane into the U.S. from Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean (other than Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Exceptions include active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces traveling on orders, sailors who hold the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner document, and those who have the experimental Air Nexus card used at Vancouver International Airport.
Even if departing the U.S. by air prior to January, you may be refused boarding without a passport if your return date may come during January or later.
Expect this anti-terrorism measure to create much disruption, including loss of nonrefundable airline tickets and vacation payments, when travelers show up at airports without knowing the new rule. On the positive side, anticipate bargains in places like Jamaica as hotels and resorts attempt to deal with empty rooms due to a downturn in last-minute travel.
Although various tourist organizations have been lobbying for more time, you may also need a valid passport to enter the U.S. from Canada or Mexico by auto, bus, or train as early as January 2008.
In any case, apply for or, if needed, renew your passport now. Unless you pay steep last-minute fees, processing a passport takes some time. Applications may be picked up at many courthouses and post offices.
For more information, see the Department of State website.