PASSPORT INFORMATION HERE....
You can learn about passport regulations or click to obtain a NEW passport or Renew your passport.......WOW, all on 1 site!
New United States Travel Requirements for 2007
Effective January 8, 2007, United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to enter the United States via airline transportation.
For More specific information visit the site below....
Information on how to obtain a passport can be found at http://travel.state.gov.
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Dominican Republic Travel Requirements
As of April of 2005, Dominican Republic law requires that children under 18, traveling with an adult or guardian other than their parent, must present written authorization from the parent(s), on the day of departure.
This authorization must state that the parent(s) have given consent for the child to leave the country. The letter must be written in Spanish and notarized at a Dominican Consulate in the United States. If the child is traveling with only one parent, the letter is not necessary. In addition, Dominican immigration authorities have recently begun restricting the ability of children to depart the country with only a birth certificate, especially when those children are American citizens of Dominican heritage.
Because of this policy, the Embassy strongly urges that children who normally reside in the United States obtain a passport in the U.S. before traveling to the Dominican Republic.
If the child's last name differs from the last name of the accompanying parent(s), proof of parentage is required. Parent's name change must be documented (i.e. marriage certificate). If the minor is 14-17 on the day of departure, they must hold either a valid passport or a valid, official photo ID along with their birth certificate. Anyone under 18 on the day of departure will be denied boarding if not accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
Proof of Citizenship
United States citizens traveling to any foreign destination must have proof of citizenship. If you are traveling to Europe, Costa Rica, Latin or South America, Barbados, or Trinidad and Tobago, you must have a valid U.S. Passport. If you are traveling to Bermuda, The Bahamas, the Caribbean (except Trinidad or Tobago), or Mexico, a valid passport is recommended. If you do not have a valid passport, two pieces of I.D. are required. An original copy of a state issued (not a hospital issued) birth certificate with a raised seal and a government issued photo ID such as a driver's license or school I.D. will be acceptable. A driver's license, social security card, or school I.D. by itself is never considered proof of citizenship. If you are a citizen of another country there may be additional requirements. Check with the nearest consulate of the destination you are traveling to and find out entry requirements for non-United States citizens. Do not pack proof of citizenship in your suitcase.
Duty-Free Travel Information
Travel Assistant
The European Union, Iceland, Norway, Japan, Singapore, Australia and other countries have implemented new regulations regarding liquids in carry on bags. As a result, there are potential implications for passengers who purchase liquid duty-free items (e.g. perfume and liquor) while traveling to and from international destinations.
Because many duty-free shops in other countries are located before the security checkpoint, all liquid duty-free items purchased in those airports will be placed in special sealed tamper-evident bags in order to be permitted through those countries’ security checkpoints. The tamper-evident bag is not currently accepted through U.S. checkpoints.
To avoid the risk of having to abandon your liquid duty free items in the U.S. and abroad, please follow the guidelines below.
Please note: these security measures only apply to liquid, gel, and aerosol duty free items.
For passengers traveling to an international destination from the United States:
Duty-free purchases of liquids of any size from shops in the US are permitted if you have a nonstop flight to an international destination.
If you have a connecting flight in Europe, Japan or another international destination, US duty-free liquid purchases in containers larger than three ounces will not be permitted through security checkpoints because they will not be in the an approved tamper-evident bag. Note: If you purchase a liquid duty-free item in the US you will not be able to get a tamper evident bag for it before going through international checkpoints.
For passengers returning to the United States from an international destination:
On nonstop flights bound for the US, duty free liquids purchased at an international airport will only be permitted it they are delivered to the aircraft for passenger pickup, bought on the plane or purchased after the security checkpoint.
If you are flying to the US and have a connecting flight, duty-free liquids that meet US requirements will NOT be permitted through US security checkpoints. If you have a connecting flight, liquid duty free purchases must be placed in your checked baggage. Since you will be required to reclaim your checked bags prior to passing through customs inspection, you can place duty-free liquids into your bags and recheck them for your connection.
TSA Travel Tips
When traveling to an international destination with a connection, buy your duty-free liquid items on the last leg of your trip. In Europe, Japan and other countries that use the tamper-evident bag, passengers should not open the bag before the security checkpoint or else the duty free contents may be seized.
When returning from an international destination on a connecting flight in the US, use your time in customs to place any duty-free liquid items in your checked bags.
Get through airport fast!!
SimpliFLY Your Carry-ons
Air Travel
photo of SimpliFLY banner
TSA's SimpliFLY Video
Click here to view TSA's SimpliFLY video
Click here to watch how to SimpliFLY.
Read the transcript.
TSA would like to help you get through the security checkpoint quickly and have a safe flight to your destination. Our Transportation Security Officers will be working around the clock to provide an efficient security process. We're asking you to become an active partner in your security experience by knowing the rules and carefully packing your carry-on bags.
Pack smart to get through faster. Keep luggage organized by layering items; this will increase visibility for the security officers. When approaching the checkpoint, be prepared. Boarding pass and ID should be ready for inspection, outer garments and shoes must come off, any loose metal items should be placed in your carry-on, and all liquids must come out of bags. All liquids must be kept in the 3-1-1 format unless needed for special medical purposes.
How?
Here's how to SimpliFLY your overall security experience:
* Pack an organized carry-on bag using layers – a layer of clothes, then electronic, more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help security officers see what's in your bag.
* Have your boarding pass and ID ready for inspection when you get to the checkpoint.
* Remove your coat and shoes and place them in a bin.
* Place any oversized electronics (laptops, full-size video game consoles, DVD players and video cameras that use cassettes) in a separate bin. iPods and other smaller electronics can stay in your carry-on bag.
* Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and put your one quart baggie separately in the bin.
* When in doubt, leave it out. If you're not sure about whether you can bring an item through the checkpoint, put it in your checked bag or leave it at home. Click here to see the list of prohibited items.
Pack Simply to Fly Through Security
The images below show a group of items packed two ways: the items on the left are packed neatly and the items on the right are loose and cluttered. In these images, you can clearly see what all the items are, but our Transportation Security Officers don't see your bag like this - they see an X-ray image on a screen. And they have to quickly determine if your bag contains a potential threat. You know you're not a threat, but our TSOs don't know you, and seemingly innocent items can actually appear to be potential threats in an X-ray image, simply by the way they're packed.
TSA employees will be out in front of the checkpoint, ready to help you get through the security process. Keeping in mind things that tend to slow down lines, many security officers will give helpful reminders as you go through security. The most common mistakes made at the checkpoint are listed below:
* Not having boarding passes and IDs out for inspection.
* Wearing bulky coats, sweaters and other items that make it difficult for the security officer to screen you properly.
* Wearing shoes or boots with laces or other fasteners that are not easy to remove and put back on.
* Forgetting to take laptops and other oversized electronics out of carry-on bags.
* Forgetting the 3-1-1 rules on liquids, aerosols and gels.
* Forgetting to declare exempt liquids like medicines, breast milk, baby formula and other items.
* Leaving loose change, keys and other metal objects in pockets.
* Bringing gifts that appear on the Prohibited Items list (antique swords and guns, etc.).
If you require any special assistance going through security, please notify a security officer as soon as you enter the checkpoint area.
How You Can Help Us
* Arrive on time. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with your carrier. A boarding pass and valid government photo ID are required to enter the security checkpoint. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.
* Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package they may have to unwrap your gift. Please wait to wrap gifts until you're at your destination.
* Pets. Please remove all animals from their carrying cases and send the case through the X-ray machine. Hold your pet in your arms and proceed through the metal detector.
* Children. Please take your infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and take them through the metal detector with you. Strollers and baby carriers go through the X-ray machine with your bags. If possible, collapse your stroller before you get to the metal detector.
* Dress the part. Metal in your clothing may set off the screening machines. Pack coins, keys, jewelry, belt buckles and other metal items in your carry-on bag. Remember that all shoes must be removed and placed in bins. Passengers also need to remove winter coats, blazers, suit coats and bulky sweaters.
* Film. Undeveloped film should go in your carry-on bag. Declare film that is faster than 800-speed to a security officer for physical inspection to avoid being X-rayed.
* When in doubt, leave it out. Bringing prohibited items to the airport will delay the screening process for you and other passengers. If you're not sure which items are allowed, check TSA's Web site for a complete list: Permitted and Prohibited Items.
* Think before you speak. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated. They will result in delays and possibly missing your flight. Local law enforcement may be called as necessary.
How to Pack Liquids: 3-1-1
Liquid explosives still present a threat to aviation. To speed your trip through the checkpoint, pack all of your liquids in your checked bag. If you must take liquids through the checkpoint and onto the plane, be sure to follow the 3-1-1 rules for liquids, aerosols and gels. Please keep in mind that 3-1-1 doesn’t just apply to toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste, it applies to drinks, food, liquor and perfume.
Certain items are exempt from the 3-1-1 rules because of medical necessity. Medications like insulin, cough syrup and ointments, and infant needs such as breast milk and formula may be brought through the checkpoint in reasonable quantities as long as you declare them to a security officer. Other liquid items in quantities larger than three ounces should be placed in your checked bags.
TSA 3-1-1 Travel Tips:
* 3-1-1: Three ounce containers or less, one quart zip top bag, one bag per person.
* Take your zip top bag out of your carry-on and put it in a bin.
* Declare any exempted liquids (medicine, breast milk, etc.) over 3 ounces to a security officer.
* 3-1-1 applies to holiday items like perfume, after shave, lotions, salad dressing, salsa, creamy dips, jams and jellies.
* If you are traveling to an international destination, be sure to follow rules regarding liquid duty free items like liquor and perfume.
Useful Links:
* International Harmonization of Security Measures
* 3-1-1 Brochure
* 3-1-1 Brochures In Other Languages
* Permitted and Prohibited Items
* Packing Batteries and Battery-powered Devices
* DOT Travel Tips (Department of Transportation)
Carry On Checked
Liquid foundations Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Liquid, gel or spray perfumes and colognes Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Liquid sanitizers Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Liquid soaps Yes - 3 oz. or smaller conMakeup, Medication, Personal Items & Special Needs Devices
Item Carry-on Checked
Aerosol spray bottles and cans Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
All creams and lotions including Neosporin or first-aid creams and ointments, topical or rash creams and ointments, suntan lotions, moisturizers, etc. Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Bubble bath balls, bath oils or moisturizers Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Bug and mosquito sprays and repellents Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Cigar Cutters Yes Yes
Corkscrews Yes Yes
Cuticle Cutters Yes Yes
Deodorants made of gel or aerosol Yes -3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Eye drops - You are allowed to carry a 3 oz. or smaller container of eye drops in a clear, one-quart plastic bag. There is no restriction on the amount you may carry, but containers greater than 3 oz. must be declared to the Security Officer and cannot be carried in your clear, one-quart bag. Yes Yes
Eyeglass Repair Tools - including screwdrivers. Yes Yes
Eyelash Curlers Yes Yes
Gel-filled bras and similar prosthetics - Gel-filled bras may be worn through security screening and aboard aircraft. Yes Yes
Hair styling gels and spray of all kinds including aerosol Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Hair Straightener or Detangler Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Knitting and Crochet Needles Yes Yes
Knives - except for plastic or round bladed butter knives. No Yes
Lip gels such as Carmex or Blistex Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Liquid lip glosses or other liquids for lips Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Liquid bubble bath including gel or liquid filled Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container tainer Yes
Liquid mascara Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Make up removers or facial cleansers Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Mouthwash Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Nail Clippers Yes Yes
Nail Files Yes Yes
Nail polish and removers Yes -3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Non-prescription liquid or gel medicines like cough syrup and gel cap type pills - You are allowed to carry up to 3 oz., of eye drops in a clear, one-quart plastic bag. Volumes greater than 3 oz. must be declared to the Security Officer and cannot be carried in your clear, one-quart bag. For more details see read our information on liquid medications Yes Yes
Personal lubricants - You are allowed to carry up to 3 oz., of eye drops in a clear, one-quart plastic bag. Volumes greater than 3 oz. must be declared to the Security Officer and cannot be carried in your clear, one-quart bag. Yes Yes
Safety Razors - including disposable razors. Yes Yes
Saline solution - You are allowed to carry up to 3 oz., of eye drops in a clear, one-quart plastic bag. Volumes greater than 3 oz. must be declared to the Security Officer and cannot be carried in your clear, one-quart bag. Yes Yes
Scissors - plastic or metal with blunt tips. Yes Yes
Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches in length. Yes Yes
Shampoos and conditioners Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Toothpaste Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Toy Transformer Robots Yes Yes
Toy Weapons - if not realistic replicas. Yes Yes
Tweezers Yes Yes
Umbrellas- allowed in carry-on baggage once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed. Yes Yes
Walking Canes - allowed in carry-on baggage once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed. Yes Yes
NOTE: Some personal care items containing aerosol are regulated as hazardous materials. The FAA regulates hazardous materials. This information is summarized at www.faa.gov.
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Electronic Devices
Item Carry-on Checked
Camcorders (See below) Yes Yes
Camera Equipment - the checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film in camera equipment. We recommend that you either put undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on baggage or take undeveloped film with you to the checkpoint and ask the screener to conduct a hand-inspection. (See below) Yes Yes
Laptop Computers (See below) Yes Yes
Mobile Phones (See below) Yes Yes
Pagers (See below) Yes Yes
Personal Data Assistants (PDA's) (See below) Yes Yes
NOTE: We recommend keeping fragile or expensive items with you in your carry-on bags
NOTE: Check with your airline or travel agent for restrictions on the use of these and other electronic items during your flight.
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Sharp Objects
Item Carry-on Checked
Box Cutters No Yes
Ice Axes/Ice Picks No Yes
Knives - except for plastic or round bladed butter knives No Yes
Meat Cleavers No Yes
Razor-Type Blades - such as box cutters, utility knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razors. No Yes
Sabers No Yes
Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches Yes Yes
Swords No Yes
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
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Sporting Goods
Item Carry-on Checked
Baseball Bats No Yes
Bows and Arrows No Yes
Cricket Bats No Yes
Golf Clubs No Yes
Hockey Sticks No Yes
Lacrosse Sticks No Yes
Pool Cues No Yes
Ski Poles No Yes
Spear Guns No Yes
For more information, please read our Traveling with Special Items section.
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Guns & Firearms
Item Carry-on Checked
Ammunition - Check with your airline or travel agent to see if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. If ammunition is permitted, it must be declared to the airline at check-in. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply. Read our Firearms & Ammunition section. No Yes
BB guns No Yes
Compressed Air Guns (to include paintball markers) - Carried in checked luggage without compressed air cylinder attached.
No Yes
Firearms - firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Read our Firearms & Ammunition section. No Yes
Flare Guns - May be carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Read our section on Camping. No Yes
Flares No No
Gun Lighters No Yes
Gun Powder including black powder and percussion caps No No
Parts of Guns and Firearms No Yes
Pellet Guns No Yes
Realistic Replicas of Firearms No Yes
Starter Pistols No Yes
NOTE: Check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply.
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Tools
Item Carry-on Checked
Axes and Hatchets No Yes
Cattle Prods No Yes
Crowbars No Yes
Hammers No Yes
Drills and drill bits (including cordless portable power drills) No Yes
Saws (including cordless portable power saws) No Yes
Tools (greater than seven inches in length) No Yes
Tools (seven inches or less in length) Yes Yes
Screwdrivers (seven inches or less in length) Yes Yes
Wrenches and Pliers (seven inches or less in length) Yes Yes
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.
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Martial Arts & Self Defense Items
Item Carry-on Checked
Billy Clubs No Yes
Black Jacks No Yes
Brass Knuckles No Yes
Kubatons No Yes
Mace/Pepper Spray - One 118 ml or 4 Fl. oz. container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. For more information visit www.faa.gov., click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly. No Yes
Martial Arts Weapons No Yes
Night Sticks No Yes
Nunchakus No Yes
Stun Guns/Shocking Devices No Yes
Throwing Stars No Yes
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.
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Explosive & Flammable Materials, Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items
Explosive Materials Carry-on Checked
Blasting Caps No No
Dynamite No No
Fireworks No No
Flares (in any form) No No
Hand Grenades No No
Plastic Explosives No No
Realistic Replicas of Explosives No No
Flammable Items Carry-on Checked
Aerosol (any except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities) No No
Fuels (including cooking fuels and any flammable liquid fuel) No No
Gasoline No No
Gas Torches No No
Lighter Fluid No No
Common Lighters - Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. If you are uncertain as to whether your lighter is prohibited, please leave it at home. Yes No
Torch Lighters - Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and more intense than those from common lighters. Torch lighters are often used for pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent stream of air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at which it is held. Torch lighters continue to be banned. No No
Strike-anywhere Matches - One book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage. No No
Flammable Paints (See Other Items below for non-flammable paints) No No
Turpentine and Paint Thinner No No
Realistic Replicas of Incendiaries No No
NOTE: There are other hazardous materials that are regulated by the FAA. This information is summarized at www.faa.gov, click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.
Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items Carry-on Checked
Chlorine for Pools and Spas No No
Small compressed gas cartridges
(Up to 2 in life vests and 2 spares) Yes Yes
Fire extinguishers and other compressed gas cylinders No No
Liquid Bleach No No
Spillable Batteries - except those in wheelchairs No No
Spray Paint No No
Tear Gas No No
NOTE: There are other hazardous materials that are regulated by the FAA. This information is summarized at www.faa.gov.
Food & Drinks
Item Carry-on Checked
Beverages brought from home or purchased before reaching the security checkpoint in containers LARGER than 3 oz. No Yes
Beverages brought from home or purchased before reaching the security checkpoint in a 3 oz. or smaller container and in your quart-size, zip-top plastic bag. Yes Yes
Beverages purchased after security screening Yes Yes
Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Learn more about traveling with children. Yes Yes
Canned or jarred goods such as soup, sauces, peanut butter, fruits, vegetables and jellies Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Cheese in pressurized containers Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Duty free alcohol and other items (Please see our section on Duty Free Items) Yes, but some restrictions apply. Yes
Gel based sports supplements Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Jell-O's Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Pudding Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Whipped cream Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Yogurt or gel like food substances Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) - A product most commonly found in MRE's, used to heat food packages. There is no limit on the number of MREs an individual may possess in checked or carry-on baggage, but the MRE(s) containing FRH(s) must be unopened (original factory seal is unbroken) Yes Yes
Other Items
Item Carry-on Checked
Gel-type candles No Yes
Gel shoe inserts - Gel shoe inserts are not permitted, but shoes constructed with gel heels are allowed and must be removed and screened. Read more on our shoe screening policy. No Yes
Non-flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint No No
Snow globes and like decorations regardless of size or amount of liquid inside, even with documentation. No Yes
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Courtesy of TSA.Gov