There is a lot of confusion about the new passport requirements for travel between the US and the Caribbean, especially because of some recent government legislation which pushed back an earlier announced deadline for cruise ship passengers.

As of Oct. 14, 2006:

All AIR travelers between the US and the Caribbean, who plan to return to the US by AIR after January 7, 2007, MUST have a passport for re-entry into the US.

CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS, who will embark and debark their ships in the US, have been given an extension until January, 2008. This may possibly be extended even further until June, 2009 (lots of confusion here still). However, some cruise lines are evidently still requiring passports after January 7, 2007, despite this recent extension of the deadline, so above all, check with your cruise line before assuming that you don’t need a passport for another year.

It’s best to refer to the U.S. State Dept. Website for the most accurate information STATE DEPARTMENT PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

So, to those of you who will be traveling by air between the US and the Cayman Islands, and returning to the US after January 7, 2007, and you do not yet have a Passport, this is the time to send in your application – NOW – especially, if your vacation is early in the year.

Char