Travel Regulations and Guidelines, 2010 Passport Announcements Time for your first passport? Haven't traveled in a while? It may be time to renew your passport. Visit the US Department of State for information on how apply, renew and replace your passport.
As of March 2010, The State Department is reporting 4-6 week processing time for routine passport applications and 2-3 weeks for expedited service.
US Travel Requirements to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda have changed!
As of June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens must now present a passport book, passport card or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at all land borders and sea ports of entry. For details, read about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
Swine Influenza and Severe Cases of Respiratory Illness in Mexico
CDC Travel Warning: Swine Influenza and Severe Cases of Respiratory Illness in Mexico — There are no Travel Health Warnings or Travel Health Precautions currently in effect
As of March 2010, Mexico, Kenya and Haiti has travel warnings.
Official US Travel Warnings March 2010:
Mexico, Kenya and Haiti has travel warnings.
(See travel.state.gov for more information.)
Current Public Announcements About:
Ask the Ambassador
Did you know that the State Department of the US offers a nifty little feature called, "Ask the Ambassador"? Got a question for our Ambassador to [insert country here]? Submit it to the website at www.state.gov. Previous guests have included Ambassadors from Australia, Lebanon and Uruguay.
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Perhaps the FAA and Homeland Security have taken the fling out of flying, but if you stick to these simple (ha!) rules, perhaps your airplane experience and the experiences of others won't totally suck. I will keep this area updated with the latest airline regulations.
Top 5 New Security Alerts
1. Passports now required for ALL AIR travel outside the US
That's right, North American continental Divas. So the next time you grab your day-glo ice pink lipstick and book a cruise, make sure to BRING YOUR PASSPORT!
We love you WHTI, oh yes we do... The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative began its reign as of January 2007. This means that any US citizen travel by AIR to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Bermuda, must now show a valid US passport.
What were once friendly neighbors to the north, south and just off the coast are now hassled, terrorism-alert nations taking their cues from us. Sigh.
4. Get a passport today!
5. Mail prohibited items home from 6 airports nationwide!
Mailsafe Express stations have opened in Portland, Houston, Palm Beach, Tampa and Chicago O’Hare. A TSO (Transportation Security Officer) will escort you to a Mailsafe kiosk where you can begin the process of shipping 4 oz conditioners home safely.
http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/mailsafe.shtm
Old Alerts That Still Apply
Just think of random strangers rifling through your things and touching you all over as foreshadowing to that wild girls' weekend you're about to have in Rome.
Their PR machine running on empty, the TSA has developed a catchy tune for you to yodel as you prepare and pack: 3-1-1. For the 411 on 311, keep reading!
The 411 on 311 Before They Call 911
3 ounces of liquid or less PER ITEM, 1 quart-sized, clear plastic bag, 1 bag per traveler...Visit TSA.gov for more information or just to check out the slick way they've branded this initiative.
You will still be asked to place your sandwich-sized Ziploc bag into a bin as you go through security, so help us all out and have it ready. For longer hauls, definitely check your liquids and gels in your suitcase. Just wrap them up extra tightly and pay homage to the gods of spills and stains.
311 and Holiday Travel
1. DO NOT WRAP GIFTS!!!
Inspectors will just rip off the paper if they need to have a look-see. Either carry accouterments for wrapping separately or plan to grab bags, cards and bows once you arrive.
2. 311 Isn't Just Toothpaste: Liquidy Presents COUNT!
311 covers everything from shaving cream to jam to wine to olive oil. Those savory homemade preserves will have to be checked in your luggage, not carried on. Oh, triple wrap and ducktape those vats of deadly-hued pickled huckleberries! At least we're not traveling with white garments this far away from Labor Day...
3. You May Buy Liquidy Gifts After Passing Through Security
Did I say you can't bring the family a jug o' wine, a spoon of olive oil, a thingamajiggy of jam? What I meant to say was that you can't carry on any of YOUR concoctions. Corporate concoctions are totally fine, have been pre-screened, and almost seem to be encouraged as holiday gifts. Sayonara Grandma Pluckers and Hello Smuckers, Inc.
4. For More Information:
Please visit www.tsa.gov/311 for more information.
5. UK Travel: Heathrow
Please continue to check the airport's website at www.heathrowairport.com. You can even sign up for email alerts if you want to.
6. European Travel: Paris
Please check the area's airport website at www.aeroportsdeparis.fr.
7. Asian Travel: Japan
It seems that no matter where some of us go, our governmental restrictions are of course in effect. Take a look at Narita's official website for an example of standing security recommendations for travelers headed to the US or Europe, no matter where in the world you are, at www.narita-airport.jp/en.
Standing Regulations Still Standing
**1. "Travelers may carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag" (think sandwich-sized).
**2. "After clearing security, travelers may bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.
**3. "At the checkpoint travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items."
These are the direct words of the FAA found online at www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm.
What was once peanut butter and jelly on rye is now your deoderant, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, toothpaste and hair products. Bon appetit!
Also, regarding the UK and Heathrow, having just popped through there on my tally total ho way to Rome, I can tell you that the only airports that are more excrutiatingly knotted in rules than ours are theirs. Woe to the chap whose entire carryon mass is larger than a large-ish briefcase.
They are at a zero tolerance level, my dear lady, and you will be in total hell if your ONE and ONLY ONE CARRYON (not one purse/briefcase plus a carryon) is larger than the following dimensions:
56 centimetres long (approximately 22 inches), 45 centimetres high (approximately 17.5 inches), 25 centimetres deep (approximately 9.85 inches)
Visit Heathrow's official website for more information: www.heathrowairport.com.
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Ye Olde Restrictions, just for fun, or in case they change their minds again...
What is the general deal, Lucille? Well, the FAA of the United States is insisting on, hitting us over the head with, and making a total nuisance of itself in these vital ways (and please note that all items in quotation marks are officially from on high at the FAA):
1. Domestic travelers arrive at least 2 HOURS prior to their flights. That's right. Even if you're only going from Des Moines to Butte, you ought to bear in mind that security might take a long ass time. For international flights, they recommend arriving even earlier.
That being said, there have been interesting reports emerging about how dang quick people are getting through security and seated on planes these days as there are fewer carryons in general out there.
2. It is okay to bring electronic devices on board like laptops and cell phones.
3. Duty free. Let us plaigarize a moment: "Duty free items are permitted if delivered directly onto the aircraft. However, passengers making connections from international to domestic flights must transfer the items to their checked bag before boarding their flight. Please note: Duty free policies differ by airport. For additional information on duty free, please contact your airport directly."
4. Make-up? Wake up. The answer is still no. For a complete list of forbidden vials and salves, visit the FAA question and answer area. What about my lil' old mascara and liquid eyeliner? The boys at the FAA say, if in doubt, leave it out. Okay like they said it, but I made it rhyme...
5. Medicine. A note for asthmatics of the world: aerosal sprays are not allowed on planes anymore, but if you're like me, you never leave home without your inhaler, which now needs an accompanying prescription that matches your ID. Trouble is, that prescription is usually found on the box, not the spray, so be sure to box it up, baby!
"Non liquid or gel medications of all kinds such as solid pills, or inhalers are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. Please make sure your medications are labeled.
"We normally X-ray medication and related supplies. However, as a customer service, you may ask that Security Officers visually inspect your medication and associated supplies. BUT you must ask for visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise your medications and supplies will be X-rayed."
Also: "Pack medications in a clear bag separate from other carry-on items/bags. All prescription medicines must be inspected, but they will not be damaged, nor will anyone be asked to taste or otherwise test them."
6. Munchies. Here is a list from the same FAA site regarding prohibited food items:
-All beverages
-Camelbaks, similar backpacks and water bottles must be empty
-Gel based sports supplements
-Jellos
-Puddings
-Yogurts or gel like substances
7. Contact Lens Solution. is allowed in small containers: "Up to 4 oz. of essential non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly." I can pack my KY? Whew! What about my feels-so-real push up bra? Check out this list of other allowed liquids:
-Small amounts of baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling
-Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket
-Up to 5 oz. (148ml) of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment
-Gel-filled bras and similar prostethics
-Gel-filled wheelchair cushions
-Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons
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For More Information:
These and other very good questions can be answered here at the FAA Q & A website:
http://tsa-7.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/tsa.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php
Also, our very own voice of Tango Diva Podcasts, Jenna d'Anna, told me about a great little story on The New York Times.com called, "Red Alert: When Lip Gloss Won't Fly," about solid solutions to the make-up ban, including powdered mascara and perfume. Great piece—thanks, Jenna!
For information on UK travel, visit the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4789593.stm.
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