| Changing passport regulations confuse many travelers | | | | In most cases, US citizens traveling to the Caribbean |
| to the Caribbean. How do you know if you need a | | | | by sea need at least one of the following documents |
| US passport or not? | | | | to re-enter the US: |
| Since June of 2009, most US citizens traveling to the | | | | - A US passport book |
| Caribbean have needed a US passport to travel. | | | | - A US passport card |
| However, there are some exceptions, so let's take a | | | | - A NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST card |
| look at the requirements in a little bit more detail. | | | | - An enhanced driver's license with an RFID chip (only |
| Where Are Passports Required? | | | | available in certain states) |
| If you are traveling to Puerto Rico or to the US | | | | However, there are a few exceptions. First, children |
| Virgin Islands, you do not need a passport at all | | | | under the age of 16 traveling by sea can use their |
| because these islands are US territories. If you are | | | | birth certificates to re-enter the country. Second, |
| traveling to any other Caribbean countries, you will | | | | children under the age of 19 traveling by sea with a |
| probably need to apply for a passport before your | | | | school group, church group, sports team or cultural |
| trip. However, whether or not a passport is required | | | | organization can also use their birth certificates, |
| depends on how you are traveling. | | | | provided that the group is traveling under adult |
| If You Are Traveling by Plane | | | | supervision. |
| If you are traveling to the Caribbean by plane, you | | | | Third, passengers on closed-loop cruises, cruises that |
| are required to have a US passport book. There are | | | | begin and end at the same US port, can re-enter the |
| no exceptions for air travelers, and even an infant is | | | | country with a government-issued photo ID and a |
| required to have his or her own passport. | | | | birth certificate. |
| If You Are Traveling by Sea | | | | |