By Gigi Starr
When Does One Need a Passport to Enter the United States?
The short answer: always, except if coming from a select few countries that border the U.S. For the most part, travelers will need a passport, or passport card, to enter and exit the country. Certain commercial cruise lines might also request that customers, including American citizens traveling to U.S. territories, bring passports. For safety's sake, and to avoid hassle, it's better to have the little blue book if you're stepping outside of America's borders.
Travelers Arriving by Air
Those arriving by air from a foreign country need to surrender a passport upon arrival in the U.S. Member countries of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) may also use a passport card. This doesn't apply when traveling from a U.S. territory (i.e. the Virgin Islands). Documents are checked at the airport terminal, with anyone who doesn't have paperwork refused immediately. The rules apply to both international guests and American citizens.
Coming to Visit or Work
In these cases, both a passport and a visa are usually necessary. There is a long list of visa options to suit specific needs--student, short-term visitor, consular and immigrant--so ask questions when booking travel to find out what you'll need. In certain circumstances, travelers don't need a visa but still require a passport. Non-citizen travelers need a passport to enter and exit the U.S. in practically all circumstances.
Taking a Cruise
Some cruise lines might request a passport, even if the law says that it's not necessary. According to Jane Engle of the "Los Angeles Times," "Because a passport is good for all types of border crossings, it makes sense to get one if you plan to travel outside the United States." It might seem to be overkill in some instances, but cruise lines would like to minimize the possibility of encountering a problem.
Traveling as a Child
All minors under 16 require a passport to enter and exit the United States, with the exception of travel between WHTI countries. Parents can obtain a passport for their children for a reduced fee from the State Department. No child may cross the U.S. border by air without documentation; sea and land travel may have different requirements, depending on the carrier.
About the Author:
Gigi Starr is a freelance fashion writer. She previously served as the blog editor for a major online fashion blog and has more than a decade of backstage experience in the beauty and high fashion industries. She has worked for businesses like an internationally renowned theatrical touring company and events such as the Mercedes-Benz N.Y.C. Fashion Week.
Photo Credits:
2007 jaaron / Creative Commons
