Preparation For A Vacation With Sealand Travel Club
August 31, 2010
The Department of Homeland Security does it’s best to protect the millions of travelers who choose to vacation each year. In keeping with this effort to protect the citizens of the United States who choose to travel in and out of the U.S. on vacations for pleasure or business, DHS has developed ways in which to educate you on how to prepare in case of an emergency.
Ways in which DHS keeps travelers informed includes:
1. Maintaining a current threat level for both domestic and international flights
2. Recommending emergency preparedness
3. Advising on travel warnings to destinations abroad
Learn more about these systems and bulletins provided by DHS and how they can help you travel more safely with Sealand Travel Club.
Sealand Travel Club Talks About Safety
Your safety is the number one priority of DHS. Established six years ago in an effort to secure the nation’s transportation systems, DHS is responsible for checking travelers’ documents, securing travelers and luggage, ensuring a secure screening process and managing traveler programs for low risk travelers.
What Is The Current Threat Level and How Is It Determined
Divided into two categories, DHS has a threat level for the National threat and also for domestic/international flights. DHS describes this system as
“…designed to guide our protective measures when specific information to a particular sector or geographic region is received. It combines threat information with vulnerability assessments and provides communications to public safety officials and the public.”
The threat level established is updated everyday. For current statuses, visit the Department of Homeland Security website.
Emergency Preparedness
Though the government, more specifically DHS, does its best to maintain your security while traveling, Sealand Travel Club reminds you that YOU are ultimately in charge of your safety. Ways in which you can prepare and are advised to do so are by following the tips from DHS on emergency preparedness.
Emergency Preparedness Kits – DHS recommends that your kit contain the following items
• Water
• Food
• Batter powered or hand crank radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle
• Dust mask
• Moist wipes
• Nominal tools
• Can Opener
• Maps
• Cell Phone with Charger
Additional Items may include:
• Prescription medications
• Pet supplies
• Copy of important documents for travel
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Clothes
• Matches
Your emergency preparedness is based on having your basic needs met in case of emergency. Sealand Travel Club advises that you consider your families specific needs when determining what to pack in your kit.
Preparing An Emergency Plan
In case of emergency, you are advised by DHS to have plans in advance in case you and your loved ones get separated. Identifying a contact that you can all reach, making sure everyone in the group knows the phone numbers that may help them and even subscribing to alert systems in the area you are traveling can help you be more prepared.
Ultimately it is up to you to be prepared in case of emergency. Although, you will more that likely not have to utilize your plans, it is always a great idea to be prepared just in case. Sealand Travel Club encourages you to research the area of your travels and follow advice provided by authorities in emergency situations. Be prepared and know that you and your family are ready in case of emergencies while traveling with Sealand Travel Club.
Passport Regulations and Information
April 2, 2009
AIR TRAVEL
- All persons traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
- CURRENTLY:
All U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean by land or sea.Acceptable documents include: U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an identification and citizenship document; for example, a driver’s license and a copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
- LATER:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.- CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security’s GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.
U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:
- U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
- The U.S. Passport Card: We began production of the U.S. Passport Card on July 14, 2008. The passport card is only valid for re-entry into the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
- WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
- Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
- State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available)
- Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
- U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
- Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
- Form I-872 American Indian Card
For further information see U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website Ready, Set…Go!
ABOUT WHTI
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.
The goal of the initiative is to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.
Federal Regulations
- Final Rule - Air Phase (PDF)
- Final Rule - Passport Card (PDF)
- U.S. Land/Sea Document Requirements (PDF)
Other Relevant Links
Taken from Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
Sealand Travel Club has experienced management and strong resources; a name unequaled for quality and innovation. From sourcing to fulfillment. rate negotiations and service, Sealand Travel Club is raising the bar for industry standards every day. We are an organization of talented, seasoned professionals representing many years of combined travel experience with a philosophy that says each owner deserves a quality vacation experience. Sealand Travel Club has mature resources to ensure excellence every step of the way. Our fulfillment is performed by certified and certificated industry specialists. Call 866-571-3694 to find out more about Sealand Travel Club.