I heard recently that there may be a new law passed that requires anyone traveling out of the united states (even into Canada) to have a valid passport. It was said that the law could go into effect as early as August. Has anyone heard anything about this? We are traveling to St.John in August and I was wondering if this is something we should take seriously? Thanks!

Here's a link to the state department website with details and dates
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/c...bpmc_2224.html

If you have time to get a passport. Do so ..

Yes, the announcment was made some time ago. The passport requiement is not for traveling "out of the country" but rather for getting back into the US after visiting a foreign country.

The web-site mentioned by tamara gives full details about the timing which varies by country but you should know that anyone traveling to/from the Caribbean after December 31, 2005 will need a passport to get into the USA.

Quite honestly, in this day and age anyone traviling to/from a foreign country should get a passport regardless of the timing issue. It makes things so much easier.

Right now passports are running about 4 weeks (normally takes 6) or you can pay for expedited service. I just got one for my 6 month old. I would get one, you have time. It just makes things easier - plus you are going to be required to have one by Dec. 2005.

I just read a story on msnbc stating that Pres. Bush was not aware of this requirement until he read it in the papers. He objects and is looking at recinding the requirement for Canada and Mexico at least.

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Do you have a link to that story and if not when did you read it? I would be interested to find and read that article. I went to the web site but did not see it in todays headlines.