Although Canada is our neighbor, it does not mean traveling to the country to exclude anyone, especially with a minor, form entering without proper documentation. Anyone going with a child to Canada must have the appropriate documents to come and leave. Without the proper papers, the child and parent may not get permission to enter. So, before you plan your trip or take off, get the facts to avoid any delays going to Canada.

Traveling by Land or Sea

A parent or guardian going with a minor to Canada by land or sea can present a passport card instead of a passport. Other acceptable documents are a driver’s license or a FAST card. If you are going to Canada on a cruise, the childbirth certificate or a naturalization certificate can be used for identification. If you both have a passport, you will avoid any difficulties you may encounter using other documents.

Traveling by Air

Traveling by air may be the fastest way of getting to Canada, however, to enter you must provide proof of citizenship and identity. Canadian immigration will accept a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. A minor can travel with a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. For military personnel, a military ID or a U.S. Mariner document will work. Again, having a valid U.S. passport will eliminate most issues you may encounter using another form of identification.

Affidavit of Consent

A parent or guardian traveling with a minor must have a notarized affidavit of consent from the other parent or guardian. The document must include all minors name, both parents name, trip dates and contact information for both parents/guardians. Without the affidavit of consent, both child and parent may be subject to additional security procedures.

Special Circumstances

There are special circumstances when a minor can enter Canada with only one parent and without the consent of the other. For you to fall into this category, you must provide proof of the absent parent. For instance, a divorced parent can show a Divorce Decree Certificate or a court order. If one parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate is sufficed.

For minors going on a school trip or other organized tours, they can present a birth certificate at the port of entry. Any minor with a criminal record must contact the Citizenship and Immigration Canada. You may require special permission for admission. It is better to notify the authorities before going and getting an entry denial.

A U.S. passport is accepted at all crossings; whether it is by land, sea, or air. Some countries may not require a passport for entry. Nevertheless, it is best to have a valid passport to travel with. Where a passport is not necessary; you can use a passport card or government-issued ID. These other documents must be valid when returning to the U.S.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

There is an agreement between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean that makes traveling less restrictive when it comes to the documents use for entry. These countries are part of the WHTI zone and will accept a passport card or government-issued ID from U.S. visitors. So, not having a passport will not prevent you from going to any of the countries.

Border Crossing

Know the document a country will accept before you plan to travel to that country. Even though a passport is not necessary, not any ID is acceptable. For example, Canada may take a NEXUS card for entry, but Mexico will only accept a passport book or card. Even though these countries are in the WHTI zone, the rules for each differ for entry. While some Caribbean countries will accept a driver’s license or state-issued ID as identification.

Closed Loop Cruises

A “closed loop” cruise is defined as starting and finishing at the same U.S. port. Even if the trip includes a stop at a foreign country, it is still a closed loop. Closed loop cruises do not require the passengers to have a passport. The necessary identification required is proof of citizenship. Minors can use their birth certificate and adults a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license. However, you should still carry a passport if you have one. It is best to take your passport just in case of emergencies.

U.S. Territories

If your trip includes any U.S. territories, you can go without a passport. Going to a U.S. territory is considered not leaving the states even though it is a foreign country. You can use a government-issued ID for identification purposes and entry. TSA will accept a military ID, driver’s license, or a permanent resident card. The U.S. territories you can visit using any of the ID mentions are Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Overall

The document you will use to travel to a neighboring country will be on the type accepted by the country. Know before you go which is necessary, but if you have a passport, it will work for all the countries. The other options you may use will vary. Any U.S. territories will accept your driver’s license or your green card. However, other nations will take a passport card instead of a passport book. Know this information before you go and avoid getting denied by immigration because of improper identification.

As a U.S. citizen, you can get a passport book or a passport card. But do you need both? In this post, you will get the benefits of having both documents. If you think having both will serve your purpose, then go ahead and get them. There is one thing I can tell you about both documents; they are used to reenter the U.S. So, let us discuss the benefits of a passport card and a passport book.

Passport Card

A passport card is a document you would use to travel by land or sea. It is acceptable to use for reentry into the U.S. So; it will limit you to go to Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, and the Caribbean. Beyond these countries, you cannot use a passport card for reentry. Also, you can use the card when you fly internationally. When your card is not an acceptable document for travel, you must use a passport book.

Passport Book

A passport book is an acceptable document for international travels. Your U.S. passport, as long as it is still valid, is acceptable at any border crossing. Regardless if you are traveling by air, land, or sea, you can use a passport. Since a passport book comes with multiple pages, the cost is more than a passport card. The length of validity is the same for both documents, five years.

Passport Card vs. Passport Book

Let us start with the passport card. The card is the size of a credit card. That makes it easy to carry. The card is made from plastic and contains your information and picture. However, the passport card has limit use. You can you use it for reentry into the U.S. if you are coming to a few neighboring countries. Because of its limitation, the cost for an adult passport card is $65 for the first-time applicant and $30 for renewal. A minor passport card is $50 for a first-time applicant and $15 for renewal. For an adult, the card is valid for ten years and five years for a child.

A passport book is a book with 28 pages. Since it can be used at any border crossing and some countries require a visa for entry, the pages are used for visa stamps. The cost for a passport book is $145 for an adult and $115 for a minor. The validity for both adults and children are the same as a passport card.

Overall

So, if you are a frequent flyer or will travel internationally, a passport book is the best choice. However, if you go to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean and would prefer a passport card, then you should apply for one. Most people who use the card prefer it for the convenience of carrying and storing it. Unlike a passport which is bigger and can be damaged by water, a passport card is made of plastic and will not get damage easily.

The choice of where you will travel can determine which of the document you should get. Keep in mind a passport has no limitations like the passport card. Also, they both serve the same purpose and getting both documents will cost more. I think the passport book is a better choice and having one will keep you prepared for your future international trip.

Now that you are a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you should apply for a U.S. passport. You will need a passport to travel internationally. Another document you can use to go outside the U.S. is a passport card. However, a passport card can only be used to reenter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. So, it best to get a passport.

Steps to Apply After Naturalization

Every U.S. citizen, whether by birth or naturalization, should have a passport. Applying for one requires some documents and a fee. The State Department provides a list of all the necessary documents on the application form. So, when you get the application form, you will have all the information on how to apply.

Get the Application & Gather the Supporting Documents

To start the process, you must get the application. You can get a copy at any acceptance facility or download it here. Once you download form with instructions and print it, you can start gathering the supporting documents.

Since you had to give your green card at the ceremony, you can use your Certificate of Naturalization as proof of citizenship and your identity. So, you must make a copy of the certificate and keep it safe. As one of the supporting documents, you must submit the original Certificate of Naturalization. Don’t worry; you will get it back 1-2 weeks after to get your passport.

In addition to the Certificate of Naturalization, you must submit a passport size color photo. You can have your picture taken at the nearest CVS pharmacy or Walgreens. If you want to do it yourself, make sure you follow the instructions that apply to a passport photo.

Applying for a Passport

Now that you have the application complete it with a black ink pen. Do not sign it yet. Since it is the first time you are applying for a passport, it should be done in person. Locate the nearest acceptance facility to submit your documents. You can go to the post offices, clerk of court offices, public libraries, and other government offices to give the application.

When you apply, you will have two options to process the application. The standard processing takes 4-6 weeks and costs the cheapest. It will cost $145 for a new passport. If you need a passport sooner, pay the additional $60, and you will get it in 2-3 weeks.

The facility will accept a check, money order, credit or debit card, and a cashier’s check. You must make your check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of State.”

Getting Your U.S. Passport

After the agent accepts the documents and payment, you can now wait until you receive the passport in the mail. The waiting time is going to be on the type of processing you choose.

Once you receive your travel document, open it and sign it. Your passport is invalid until you sign it. You must sign with a pen and not a pencil or marker. For a minor’s passport, a parent or guardian can sign for the child.

Traveling to another country can be fun. But before you go, get to know some laws that may affect you during your trip. For instance, did you know that your passport must have a specific time before it expires before you can enter another country? Now, countries have their laws and can change them whenever they see necessary. So, know if the country you plan to visit has this requirement. It is known as the Six-month Validity Rule.

What is the Six-month Validity Rule?

The Six-month Validity Rule is the time your passport must be valid before you enter another country. Some countries require your passport to have enough time for your stay. If there is more time before your passport expires, it is even better.

Even though there are some countries with this requirement, there are others who impose a three-month validity and others that require a valid passport for entry. Regardless of the rule and the place you plan to go, it always better to have a passport that will not expire sooner than six months.

Which Countries Impose the Six-month Validity Rule?

Here is a list of the countries that impose the Six-month Validity Rule:

Apply For A U.S. Passport

If you need a passport, you can visit your nearest post office and apply. You can also submit an application at a county clerk’s office, courthouse, and a public library. You can have your application process at the post office using routine or expedited processing.

The difference between both options is the time it will take for you to get a new passport. Routine or regular takes 4 to 8 weeks. Expediting processing will take 2 to 3 weeks. However, the cost is more if you need a passport sooner than the average processing time.

If you have an emergency and you must travel within days, you can hire an expeditor. Expediting companies can get a passport in 24 hours is necessary. The cost to accelerate the application will have a substantial cost. You can visit a regional passport agency to get the same service.

Regardless of choice you make to get a U.S. passport, have one with enough validity to so will not have any issues when you travel to any country that impose the Six-month Validity Rule.

What does it mean to have dual citizenship? When you are born in a country, you automatically gain citizenship of that country. Later, you can become a citizen of another; now you have dual citizenship because you are a citizen of both countries. Getting citizenship from another country can be achieved in different ways. Once you have dual citizenship and you travel, there could be some difficulties you encounter going to other countries. It is best you do your research before visiting.

Gaining Dual Citizenship

You can obtain citizenship from another country in a variety of ways. If you reside in the country as a permanent resident, you can become a citizen through naturalization. You can also become a citizen by marriage or as a child of the union. Some countries also use a lottery system to grant citizenship to others who are seeking asylum for prosecution.

Once you have dual citizenship, you must now know the laws of the countries you plan to travel. Keep in mind that countries have their rules and you as a citizen must abide by the laws when you go to it.

Prepare for a Trip

Maintain Valid Passports

When you plan to travel to the country you hold citizenship, make sure you have a valid passport. Most countries like the U.S. requires its citizens to leave and enter the country with a valid passport of the country. So, if you have dual citizenship, it is best to use a passport of the country you will visit to enter or exit.

Some countries, especially in the Middle East, scrutinize travel documents from anyone who is traveling from countries they deem hostile. For example, Syria does not permit entry to anyone who visited Israel.

Military Obligations

Some countries require their citizens to serve a minimum number of years in their military. If the country you plan to visit is one which implements this rule, make sure you are exempted from this law. Some countries do have an exemption for non-resident citizens. If there is not clear law for it, it is best to consider not to travel until you have some clarity on your safety before going.

Tax Laws

Again, having dual citizenship does not exempt you from tax laws in a country you carry citizenship. Some may consider you pay tax on income earned abroad. If you travel to a country will similar regulations, you may require paying your share of taxes, or you could be held until you do. Speak with a financial adviser with who knows the tax laws in the country you will visit.

Dual Citizenship by Marriage

Gaining dual citizenship by marriage can be legal in one country and not another. Some countries do not recognize a marriage outside its borders, particularly to partners who are not a citizen of that country. Similarly, children of the union are not considered a citizen of their parents’ native country. But some countries give citizenship automatically to a husband and wife who gets married if one or the other is a citizen of the country.

For example, a woman who marries an Iranian national automatically gains Iranian citizenship. However, the woman cannot leave without her husband permission. Also, she cannot fly with the kids without his consent. She can divorce and renounce her citizenship, but the kids cannot.

So, traveling to countries with strict laws can create a significant issue when you plan to depart. Know the country’s laws and how they will affect anyone who carries dual citizenship when they travel to the country.

Having a felony conviction does not disqualify you from getting a passport. However, the type of conviction may disqualify you, but because the rules that define felons are not well defined, you may be able to get a passport. So, if you want to travel outside the United States and need a passport, you can apply for one the same way everyone else does.

Felony Disqualification

In the U.S., most individuals who have a felony conviction because of drug trafficking across borders will not get a passport. That means, if you are convicted of other felonies you can still get a passport. A felony is classified as a crime for which the penalty exceeds one year in prison. So, if you commit murder, treason, or financial crimes, which all have lengthy sentences, you may be able to get a passport.

Remember, a passport is merely a document which allows you to enter the country. Getting one does not mean you can travel to another country. Each country has its laws and if they don’t allow a felon to enter, having a passport will serve no purpose.

So, the State Department will likely not disqualify anyone, except for a drug trafficking conviction across borders, from getting a passport.

Other Reasons For Disqualifications

There are other reasons apart from a criminal conviction that will disqualify you from getting a passport. Even if you have a clean slate from any criminal activities, but fall into one of these categories, your chance of getting a passport is slim.

Here are some reasons that will disqualify you from getting a U.S. passport:

•         You owe $2,500 or more in back child support
•         Owe the government because of loans

Other reasons to get denied are:

•         You are currently charged with a felony or a felony arrest warrant is outstanding
•         You are currently in prison
•         On parole for felony drug charges
•         You have a court order, a probation order, or a parole order status that you cannot leave the country

These are some of the reasons you will get disqualified from getting a passport.

Traveling with an expired document is a significant risk to take; especially if it is used as identification. If you want to remain stranded a foreign country, that is likely to happen if you are traveling with an expired passport. Also, most countries will not allow anyone with an expired passport to exit. So, before you take a trip, make sure your passport will remain valid up to the end of the journey. If not, apply for a new one before you go.

Passport Validity

Many foreign countries require a US citizen to have a passport and visa to enter and exit. But like many documents, a passport expires and must be renewed before used. An adult passport is valid for ten years, and a minor’s for five years. During that time, it is valid for travel. However, within the last year of validity, it is recommended to apply for a new passport. One primary reason to do so is that of the six-month passport validity rule. How does the six-month passport validity affect US citizens?

Six-Month Passport Validity Rule

The six-month validity rule is a law enforced by foreign countries and applies to anyone who wishes to visit for a short period. According to the rule, all visitors must possess a passport with a minimum of six months validity. What does it mean? If you plan to vacation in the country with this law, your passport cannot expire within six months of the day you will enter the country. Most countries provide tourist a thirty to sixty days stay except if the trip is business related. In such cases, then a passport must have more than six months validity.

There are a few countries that implement a three-month validity instead of the six-month. However, the trip time must be less than thirty days since the visitor’s passport cannot expire during the stay. Anyone with a passport with less than the six-month validity must obtain a new passport before traveling.

So to answer the question, the best advice to give is not to travel until your passport expires. If for some reason your trip became longer than you had anticipated, you must apply for a new passport at the nearest US embassy or consulate in the country you are currently staying. You will receive a temporary passport that may expire in two years or less. Once you are back in the states, you can apply for a passport that will expire in ten years.