Passport and Travel Reminders

 
 
Current Travel Warnings to International Locations

U.S. citizens planning to travel abroad should consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, Fact Sheets, and regional travel brochures, all of which are available at the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site  or go to http://travel.state.gov/.  American citizens overseas may contact the American Citizens Services unit of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate by telephone or fax for up-to-date information on security conditions. American citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before visiting there. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Update

The Department of Homeland Security has issued reminders about the June 1 deadline for the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Please see the links below for additional information. If you plan to be traveling in the Western Hemisphere, I hope the information below is helpful to you.

Beginning June 1, 2009 Americans will need to show a valid U.S. passport book, a U.S. passport card or other special travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security when entering the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. You are encouraged to apply early for your U.S. passport and/orU.S. passport card. You may call the National Passport Information Center toll-free telephone number 1-877-487-2778, or go to the State Department Travel website at www.travel.state.gov or the links below for more infomation.

Department of Homeland Security Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHITI) Land and Sea Final Rule announcement

FAQs on the WHTI Land & Sea Final Rule

Travel and Security Procedures information from DHS

Traveling to Mexico?

Check out the following links for Safety Warnings and Travel Alerts to Mexico:

Department of State Travel

Spring Break in Mexico -- "Know Before You Go!"

Click here for passport assistance from my office.