Pandemic Travel. Do you have the right travel documents?

One of the ways to learn another culture and understand its people is to immerse yourself in it. Traveling for 2-3 weeks to a new place, where you have to rely on the people of that area, can assist with understanding other people and their cultural references. You can learn to be more compassionate towards others who are not a part of the dominant culture where you live.

Most people are anxious to get out of the house and start traveling again. If you are planning to travel domestically or abroad, there are some things you need to know and research about current and future government document requirements.

The National Department of Homeland Security is allowing additional time for States to roll out the “Real ID” until May 2023; so, we can reasonably expect states to extend their respective deadline. For example, in Arizona, the Travel Driver License/ID card and the Enhanced Driver’s License deadline has already been extended. Originally the deadline was October 1, 2020 but is now May 3, 2023 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To read more visit AZ Department of Transportation or visit your state’s specific Department of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles.

Once the deadline is here, the “Real ID”, which includes an Enhanced Drivers License/ID card, a valid U.S. passport or other federally approved identification will be required for all domestic air travel. Keep in mind, the “Real ID” cannot be used for international air travel. You must have a valid passport (including appropriate visas where applicable) for international air travel. Note: if you have a passport card it can only be used to re-enter the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

In Arizona, an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) works the same as the Travel Driver License/ID card AND can double as a driver’s license. Again the EDL cannot be used for international air travel. Visit Department of Homeland Security for more information.

For more information about the appropriate forms of travel ID, travel tips and passport information, visit www.rushmypassport.com/blog.

So now you know… Ready… Set… Research... Travel and have a good time! Be safe, continue to mask up, social distance, and wash your hands!!!!