If I'm flying to Aruba in August, do I need a passport?

Question

If I'm flying to Aruba in August, do I need a passport?

Answer 1

Yes, you need a passport to leave the U.S it is now mandatory.

Answer 2

Yes, you need a passport.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

Areas that fall under the WHTI:

Canada

Mexico

Bermuda

The Caribbean region (includes 17 regions)



AIR TRAVEL

ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL

The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

CURRENTLY:

U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available in spring 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

LATER:

As early as June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI.  The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.  

Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.

U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:

U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.

The Passport Card: U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for this new, limited-use, wallet-size passport card beginning February 1, 2008. We expect cards will be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. When available it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.

WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:

Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)

State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available)

Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)

U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders

U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business

Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card

Form I-872 American Indian Card

For further information see U.S. Customs and Border protection.

ABOUT WHTI

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.

The goal of the initiative is to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.

Answer 3

yes you most certainly do there is nowhere you can go now wiyhout a passport

Answer 4

yes. passports for american citizens are needed to leave the country including mexico, canada, and any other country!!!

Answer 5

Aruba is a territory of The Netherlands, making it a foreign "country" so yes, you need a passport. You need a passport to leave and enter the US so make sure you get an appointment with your local post office and send the application in as soon as possible.

Make sure you do your passport application through the "expedite service" with "express mail" to and from the passport office. I did that and had my passport in 7 days !

And remember, don't leave your friends side when in Aruba. Be careful and be safe.

Answer 6

If flying, yes.  Plus you will need proof that you have accommodations and/or enough financial resources for the length of your stay.  Look here for info:

http://www.fda.gov/opacom/laws/wileyact....

Contrary to some of the above info, you don't need a passport to drive into Canada or Mexico, or if you travel by sea to the Caribbean.