Changes to U.S. Customs Laws - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**LiveFreeorDie** · 10-04-2005, 10:18 AM

Got this from my travel agent today.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency Requirements Effective October 4.

Please be advised that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency has instituted a new requirement for international travellers departing from, arriving in, or flying over the United States. The legislation, which will take effect tomorrow, October 4, 2005 requires all passengers to supply Advance Passenger Information (API) when travelling into or out of the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency will require airlines to supply additional details for travellers entering the U.S. This information includes passenger country of residence and complete destination address in the U.S., including ZIP code. Travellers should have this information on hand and be prepared to supply it upon request at check-in.

For smoother travel we advise that you print our your itinerary so you will have the requested information on hand. Please allow yourself extra time for these additional security requirements, especially for the first several weeks of inception. Be aware that although airlines are currently preparing their procedures for these new requirements they have not yet announced changes to their recommended check-in times.

Information has been coming in from each airline with their position on collecting the new U.S. Customs and Border Protection information.

British Airways in order to alleviate international check-in lines offers the following:

-Your Travel Agent can take the information for your next trip now and send it to BA in your reservation,
-You can opt to go on the Manage My Travel page on the BA website yourself and provide the information,
-You can provide it at the airport at check-in.

We are gathering the information we are receiving and will be updating you over the coming days of our policies and procedures.

**space virgin** · 10-04-2005, 12:54 PM

I thought this was already in place by filling out landing cards? Huh.

**kingcrazylegs** · 10-04-2005, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by space virgin@Oct 4 2005, 12:54 PM
I thought this was already in place by filling out landing cards?* Huh.

[snapback]79798[/snapback]

yea, wtf?

**voyd** · 10-04-2005, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LiveFreeorDie@Oct 4 2005, 11:18 AM

international travellers departing from

passenger country of residence and complete destination address in the U.S., including ZIP code.

So, what do international passengers LEAVING the US have to put down? Their destination address abroad?

What if you don't really have one? Other than a hostel or hotel?

**MolsonGirl** · 10-04-2005, 01:58 PM

Yikes bikes... soo intense.

**Somnambulation** · 10-04-2005, 10:19 PM

They ask you those questions when your arrive at Heathrow from the US but they dont really make you answer. I just put 'a hostel' and they seemed not to care. Mabye this country will be more anal about it.

**worldwidemike** · 10-05-2005, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by voyd@Oct 4 2005, 08:12 PM
What if you don't really have one?* Other than a hostel or hotel?

[snapback]79804[/snapback]

That's usually what I put down when I'm filling out the card. It's not like they're ever going to hold up the line, pick up the phone and call. And if so, you simply say, "Hey, while you got them on the phone, let me talk to them: I want to make my reservation!"

Then you can get in a long, drawn out conversation about room amenities, nearby shopping, restaurants, etc., to show them how stupid they're being...

worldwidemike

**LiveFreeorDie** · 10-05-2005, 09:30 AM

BTW...I can't beleive I spelled "Cue" with a "Q".....I was fried yesterday. Forgive my brain addled spelling!

**space virgin** · 10-05-2005, 07:02 PM

^ Since it bothered you I went ahead and changed it for ya.

**LiveFreeorDie** · 10-06-2005, 09:40 AM

Your the best!!