A Lay Traveler''s Guide to Passport Rules

If you’re planning international travel this summer and are confused by whether you need a passport, you’re not alone. The gradual implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative has confused a lot of travelers. 

For those of you looking at travel beyond U.S. borders this year, here’s are the basics.


Travel within United States and U.S. Territories

If you are a United States citizen traveling by air from the United States to any of the 50 United States and are age 19 or older, you will need government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, military ID or passport. The same rules apply when traveling to a United States territory or insular area—American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands.


Travel to Mexico

If you are an adult traveling from the United States to Mexico by land, sea or air, you will need a passport.

For children traveling to Mexico, the rules are slightly different. For air travel, regardless of age, you will need a passport. Children under age 16 traveling by land or by sea can use their birth certificates, certificates of citizenship or naturalization certificates. Children under age 19 who are traveling with adult-chaperoned groups also may use birth certificates, certificates of citizenship or certificates of naturalization.


Travel to Canada

If you are an adult traveling from the United States to Canada by land, sea or air, you will need a passport, NEXUS or FAST card.  If you are taking a child to Canada by land or sea bring a birth certificate or other document that proves both custody and U.S. citizenship. For air travel, the child will need a passport.


Closed-Loop Cruises (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean)

If you are traveling from the United States to the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico via a closed-loop cruise (meaning a cruise that begins and ends in the same U.S. port), you may use either a passport or a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate or certificate of citizenship. Keep in mind, however, that if a cruise includes an overnight stay on land at a port outside the U.S., you may need a passport.


Travel to Any Other Locale

For any other international travel, whether by air, sea or land, you’ll need a passport for each individual traveler.


Best Advice

If you travel outside the U.S., even if only to Canada and Mexico, a passport is a sure way to avoid hassle. If, for example, an emergency necessitates air travel, you’ll need that passport. It’s just the safest, easiest way to ensure entry back into the U.S.

To learn more about travel documents in general, see the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative guidelines. For information on applying for a passport, visit the U.S. State Department online.