Proposed US passport requirements could curtail cruise industry
The cruise industry will be particularly hard-hit if proposed US passport regulations are adopted next year, according to Travel Industry Association (TIA) President Roger Dow.
The reason: most people who book cruises do not have passports. That’s in contrast to the airline industry, where international travelers must have passports.
The US proposal to be phased in over two years would require all travelers, including US citizens going between the US, Canada and other destinations, to have a passport to re-enter the country.
“We’re concerned about the potential for chaos,” said Mr Dow. He and others are asking for a delay in the requirements proposed.
The requirement for passports would be extended to land border crossings with Canada and Mexico in January of 2008.
Travel experts have been predicting it would cut back on travel from Canada, which is the US’s largest international travel market.
The US Congress is debating several bills to delay the requirements intended to fight terrorism, according to US security officials.
With a final determination still pending, the cruise industry recommends passengers who plan to sail after 1 January apply for passports.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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