NewBie Question
Nov 2, 2005 | 11:07 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA 2.996MM & Plat Pro, DL 1MM, GM & Flying Colonel
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The majority of U.S. citizens - I forget the percentage, but it's surprisingly high - don't even have a passport.
As of today U.S. citizens don't need a passport to re-enter from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, though it can be helpful in establishing that one is a citizen. That's considered a security hole and is supposed to change soon. (Whether the country one is going to will let a U.S. citizen in without one is a separate question, over which the U.S. has no control.)
As of today U.S. citizens don't need a passport to re-enter from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, though it can be helpful in establishing that one is a citizen. That's considered a security hole and is supposed to change soon. (Whether the country one is going to will let a U.S. citizen in without one is a separate question, over which the U.S. has no control.)
Nov 3, 2005 | 5:41 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: MI
Posts: 187
Originally Posted by Efrem
The majority of U.S. citizens - I forget the percentage, but it's surprisingly high - don't even have a passport.
As of today U.S. citizens don't need a passport to re-enter from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, though it can be helpful in establishing that one is a citizen. That's considered a security hole and is supposed to change soon. (Whether the country one is going to will let a U.S. citizen in without one is a separate question, over which the U.S. has no control.)
As of today U.S. citizens don't need a passport to re-enter from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, though it can be helpful in establishing that one is a citizen. That's considered a security hole and is supposed to change soon. (Whether the country one is going to will let a U.S. citizen in without one is a separate question, over which the U.S. has no control.)
Welcome to the world of travel, may it prove as satisfying an experience to you as it does for the rest of us!!
Nov 3, 2005 | 9:59 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Here! (Or there - I'm not sure)
Programs: Peon in all
Posts: 4,358
Originally Posted by weblet
Don't have back-up, but read somewhere recently that only about 10% of US citizens have passports (I think that is a little low, but probably not far off the mark!).
Originally Posted by weblet
That said, a passport is the best form of ID you can have and highly recommend everyone get one as pretty soon you will not be able to re-enter the US without one (you may get out, but they won't let you back in!). See www.travel.state.gov. Currently a US citizen only needs "proof of citizenship" to re-enter the US from Canada, Mexico and much of the Caribbean. "Proof of citizenship" is NOT a drivers license or your social security card. Proof is a birth certificate (state issued, with the raised seal), citizenship papers, naturalization papers....
If you are in the 80-85%, it's better to get your passport now to beat the rush!
Welcome to FT DKN , and enjoy your travels!
Nov 3, 2005 | 10:33 am
#8
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Join Date: Jan 2004
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Originally Posted by the_traveler
I don't have back-up either, but I think I heard it is 15-20%.
For a US citizen, it is much easier (and safer!) to cary a passport to show the Border Patrol than to carry your original birth certificate! Because most US citizens were born in the US, they do not even have citizenship or naturalization papers. Thus, the only options to prove their US citizenship would be to carry a passport or an original birth certificate with you to Canada, Mexico or the Carribean!
If you are in the 80-85%, it's better to get your passport now to beat the rush!
Welcome to FT DKN , and enjoy your travels!
For a US citizen, it is much easier (and safer!) to cary a passport to show the Border Patrol than to carry your original birth certificate! Because most US citizens were born in the US, they do not even have citizenship or naturalization papers. Thus, the only options to prove their US citizenship would be to carry a passport or an original birth certificate with you to Canada, Mexico or the Carribean!
If you are in the 80-85%, it's better to get your passport now to beat the rush!
Welcome to FT DKN , and enjoy your travels!