EVERYONE NEEDS A PASSPORT NOW !!!

Starting on June 1, 2009, ALL US citizens will need a passport or a passport card to travel anywhere and by any means outside the the United States.

Currently, US citizens need a passport if they travel by air regardless of their destination. The new rule now applies to LAND and SEA travel as well.

In the past US citizens have been able to reenter the country from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean with just a photo ID and a birth certificate or other form of citizenship. The US State Department has been gradually phasing in tighter restrictions and the JUNE 1 rules will bring all travel in line, regardless of destination.

If you want to reenter the U.S. you must have a passport.

QUICK TIPS:
* Roll down the diver's and passenger's windows
* Take off sun glasses
* Look at the customs officer in the eyes
* Have birth certificate and photo ID ready for the customs officer
* Answer all questions asked
* Keep answers short, simple and honest
* Declare all liquor, tobacco and firearms if asked
* Be patient, respectful and use good manors

GETTING A PASSPORT FOR THE FIRST TIME:
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of the 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the U.S. with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship and a a valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license.

RENEWING YOUR PASSPORT:
You can renew by mail if:  your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.  If your passport has been altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail.

USEFUL WEBSITES:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html

PASSPORT APPLICATION:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES:
Personal baggage may include up to 40 ounces of alcohol (liquor, wine or liqueur) or 24 12 oz. cans or bottles of beer or ale, duty and tax free per person.  Alcoholic beverages may only be imported by persons who are the legal age, as prescribed by the Province at the point of entry. 

TABACCO PRODUCTS:
200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 200 mg of tobacco would also be allowed in duty free.  The tobacco products may only imported by persons who are 19 years of age or over.