New U.S. government regulations require all adults and children (even newborns) to have a valid passport for all international travel by air. This regulation also applies to travel to The Islands of the Bahamas.

Passport Requirements
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security's website (http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/index.shtm).

CURRENTLY: U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html), or WHTI-compliant document (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html#compliant_document); or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

LATER: On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.

For a detailed how-to guide, please review the choices below and click on the appropriate link.

• I need a new passport
• I need a new passport for my child who is under 16 years of age
• I need to renew my passport
• I need to replace a lost or stolen passport
• Frequently Asked Questions