Travel Document Changes Effective Jan. 31, 2008

Today (December 21, 2007), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that effective January 31, 2008, all travelers, including U.S. citizens, entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry will no longer have the option of orally declaring their citizenship. This previously accepted, but rare, practice of proving citizenship through oral declaration will no longer be sufficient.

What does the January 31, 2008 discontinuation of the oral citizenship declaration option mean to you and your clients?

• Currently, CLIA member lines generally require proof of citizenship and a government-issued ID for boarding. This typically means a driver’s license along with proof of citizenship in the form of a:

  • Passport

  • Original or certified copy of birth certificate

  • Naturalization papers (for U.S. Naturalized citizens)

• These requirements have been industry standards, but will now be required by law and enforced as of January 31, 2008.

• Cruise passengers on international voyages who do not have proper citizenship and identification documentation will not be allowed to board their cruise after January 31, 2008. Please advise your clients of this change.

• Once again, as of January 31, 2008, travelers, including U.S. citizens, seeking to enter the United States through land and sea ports of entry must present documents proving citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport) and government-issued identification (such as a driver’s license).

The best advice is to check with the cruise line directly, as travel documentation requirements can vary by line and itinerary.

Separately, as an update, the official passport deadline for cruise passengers has not yet been determined. CLIA will advise you of any changes, and continues to encourage travelers to purchase or renew their passport to allow the most options for future travel.

For more information, visit: http://travel.state.gov