CURRENCY INFORMATION 
Foreign Exchange Rates: www.xe.com/ucc/

DOCUMENTATION
Any time you travel to a foreign country, you will need to prove your citizenship.  

Important:  U.S. citizens traveling to United States by air from the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda or Canada are required to travel with a valid U.S. passport.   U.S. citizens returning directly from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are not required to show passports. 

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative . http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

The temporary waiver allowing U.S. citizens to travel with passport application receipt and government-issued identification expired on September 30, 2007.     

Refer to the U.S. State Department website http://travel.state.gov/travel for more information.

CHECKING PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
If you are a U.S. citizen, the requirements for obtaining or renewing a passport are outlined on the U.S. State Department website http://travel.state.gov/travel.

Foreign Entry Requirements and Passport
Always aquaint yourself with the foreign entry requirements of the destination your visiting. http://www.abriggs.com/high_level/foreign_entry_requirements.php
Some countries, for example, require that your U.S passport be valid for at least six (6) months or longer beyond the dates of your trip.  If you are a Canadian citizen, you can find passport information at http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp  All other travelers should check with the consulate or embassy of the countries you will be visiting or passing through.

CHECKING VISA REQUIREMENTS
Some countries require that you have a visa issued by the country you are going to visit.  Visa requirements vary based on the country you are visiting, purpose of your visit and the length of stay.  Contact the Visa and Consular Section of the Embassy you are visiting for visa and any other entry requirements.  Find the requirements for the country to which you wish to travel at http://www.abriggs.com/high_level/foreign_entry_requirements.php

CHECKING IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Please see the  http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationList.aspx for health information on specific destinations.

TRAVELING ABROAD WITH CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18
In an effort to keep children safe while traveling internationally, many governments have instituted procedures at entry and exit points that require parents to show documentary evidence of their relationship to all accompanying minors (children under age 18).

Additionally, many countries require that children under 18, when traveling without one or both parents/guardians, carry notarized permission from the parents or legal guardian not present for the child’s travel.

Learn the requirements at: http://www.abriggs.com/passports/minor_passport.php

Will I be charged a fee for checked bags? The following major airlines currently charge an extra fee each time bags are checked with that airline. For passengers whose tickets are sold as a codeshare flight, operating and/or marketing carrier fees may apply. For other airlines, please check that carrier’s website for detailed information concerning that carrier’s baggage fee policy. Please note: These fees are not included in your total trip cost when purchasing tickets from your travel provider and are collected by the airline. Some airlines may not charge any additional fees for checking bags when passengers have certain status in their mileage or loyalty programs. Baggage Charges Apply each way on select flights. Airlines Applies to... Airline Policy 1st bag 2nd bag Special Notes  To/From Mexico and Central America  View Policy No Fee  $15   Domestic Within Canada, Canada and United States including Hawaii  View Policy No Fee $25   Domestic  View policy No Fee $10 The charge for a 2nd checked bag will be $10 when paid using Online Check-In or $20 when paid at the airport kiosks and ticket counter. Domestic  View policy No Fee $25   Domestic, Canada, U.S Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico  View policy $15 $25   Domestic, Latin America  View policy No Fee $25   Domestic  View policy No Fee $25 $50  $50 fee for 2nd bag checked effective for tickets purchased on/or after 7/31/2008 for travcl on/or after 8/5/2008   Domestic  View Policy $15 $25   Domestic  View policy $15 $25  $15 fee for 1st bag checked effective for tickets purchased on /or after 8/1/08 for travel on/or after 10/01/08 Domestic  View policy No Fee $20   International including to/from the United States  View policy  No Fee  $15   Domestic  View policy No Fee $20   Domestic  View policy $15 $25 1st Bag effective for tickets purchased on/or after 7/10/08 for travel starting 8/28/08    Domestic  View policy $15 $25  1st Bag $15 when paid using On-line Check-In or $25 at the airport Domestic, International  View policy No Fee $25   Domestic, Canada, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas  View policy $15 $25 1st Bag for travel on or after 8/18/2008 Domestic, Canada, Latin America, Caribbean  View policy $15 $25 Note: Baggage policy and fees are subject to change by the airlines at any time. Please see the airline’s Web site for the most current information.    orbitz.com

• Language:       English
• Passport:        No, but must show evidence of citizenship when leaving the island
• Currency:        US $
• Time Zone:       Atlantic Standard Time
• Airport:           St. Thomas’ airport is the most widely used gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Weather:        The climate in the Virgin Islands is very consistent year round. The summer months of June, July and August are the hottest with temperatures in the mid 80s. During the winter, (December through February) the high temperature will average in the 70° F. The Virgin Islands does not have a rainy season, per se, but the greatest chance of rain will be during the months of September, October and November, August and May. 

Since the US Virgin Islands is a US territory, getting married there is relatively easy. There is no blood test or physical, and you can complete the marriage license application form prior to traveling to the USVI. Actually it is good to complete and mail the application one to two months ahead of time along and send it with a certified check for the fee. The forms must be notorized.   If you have been previously married, you will need to send a certified copy of the divorce decree (must have raised seal or stamped certified copy) or certified copy of the death certificate. There is an 8 day waiting period between when the application is filed and the ceremony. Once in the Islands, you will both need to pick up the marriage license in person at the courthouse and be sure to bring photo ID.

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, the “Island of Enchantment” is a very popular choice for a destination wedding. The island is small, but not lacking in amenities to please visitors to the island. The people of Puerto Rico are known for being friendly and proud of their rich Hispanic heritage.

 Choices in wedding venues are endless and varied including mountaintop hideaways and beachfront resorts with many resources available to plan the wedding of your dreams. Romantic and picturesque, plentiful in activities and beauty – definitely a destination to consider. 

 Quick Facts

• Language:       Spanish and English
• Passport:        Not required for US citizens
• Currency:         US$
• Time Zone:       Atlantic Standard (-4 GMT). Puerto Rico does not observe Daylight Savings Time.  
• Major Airport: Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan
• Weather: The average temperature (year round) is a balmy 80 degrees. The peak season is December through April and can experience hurricanes between May and November.

Marriage Requirements

There is a fair amount of paperwork and process for getting married in Puerto Rico and we recommend that you obtain assistance from a local wedding planner to ensure that all of the requirements are met. At least two month prior to the wedding, you should request marriage license papers (in writing) from the Dept. of Health, Demographic Registry Office. If previously married you must provide a ’certified’ copy of the final divorce decree or death certificate.

There is no residency requirement on Puerto Rico but blood tests are required. They can be performed in the U.S. ten days before you arrive in Puerto Rico. You will also need to have a physical while on the island because a physician in Puerto Rico must provide a medical certificate which is good for 14 days. Finally you must visit the Marriage License Bureau to have all the documents authenticated. 

Jamaica
Jamaica conjures up images of reggae, cricket and Technicolor art – and only 90 minutes from Florida, it is the largest English-speaking Island in the Caribbean.   The Island has a total land area of 4442 square miles with widths ranging between 22 and 51 miles.

White sands, sparkling waterfalls and rivers, majestic mountains and multi-colored gardens create the perfect backdrop for your destination wedding. Jamaican venues include many all inclusive resorts, cozy inns, private villas or luxurious hotels. Or, if you prefer, you can also say your “I Do’s’” in an outdoor setting at sunset. The choices are endless.

 
Quick Facts

• Language:       English
• Passport:        Yes
• Currency:        Jamaican Dollar
• Time Zone:        Eastern Time Zone (GMT-4 hrs)
• Airports:         Norman Manley International Airport is located in the capital region of Kingston, while Donald Sangster International Airport can be found on the western coast in Montego Bay.  
• Weather:        The weather in Jamaica is very mild year round with highs ranging in the upper 80’s to low 90’s and lows in the 70’s. On average June is the warmest month and January is the coolest month. October is the wettest month and February is the driest month.

Marriage Requirements

Jamaica does not require a blood test and you can be married just 24 hour after arriving on the island providing prior application has been made for a marriage license. To apply for a marriage license, contact the Ministry of National Security & Justice at 1-876-906-4923

Required documentation for US citizens includes: 

• Proof of citizenship - certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father’s name.
• Parent’s written consent if under 18 years of age.
• Proof of divorce if applicable (original certificate of divorce).
• Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower.

There are additional requirements for citizens of other countries.

Jamaica conjures up images of reggae, cricket and Technicolor art – and only 90 minutes from Florida, it is the largest English-speaking Island in the Caribbean.   The Island has a total land area of 4442 square miles with widths ranging between 22 and 51 miles.

White sands, sparkling waterfalls and rivers, majestic mountains and multi-colored gardens create the perfect backdrop for your destination wedding. Jamaican venues include many all inclusive resorts, cozy inns, private villas or luxurious hotels. Or, if you prefer, you can also say your “I Do’s’” in an outdoor setting at sunset. The choices are endless.

 
Quick Facts

• Language:       English
• Passport:        Yes
• Currency:        Jamaican Dollar
• Time Zone:        Eastern Time Zone (GMT-4 hrs)
• Airports:         Norman Manley International Airport is located in the capital region of Kingston, while Donald Sangster International Airport can be found on the western coast in Montego Bay.  
• Weather:        The weather in Jamaica is very mild year round with highs ranging in the upper 80’s to low 90’s and lows in the 70’s. On average June is the warmest month and January is the coolest month. October is the wettest month and February is the driest month.

Marriage Requirements

Jamaica does not require a blood test and you can be married just 24 hour after arriving on the island providing prior application has been made for a marriage license. To apply for a marriage license, contact the Ministry of National Security & Justice at 1-876-906-4923

Required documentation for US citizens includes: 

• Proof of citizenship - certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father’s name.
• Parent’s written consent if under 18 years of age.
• Proof of divorce if applicable (original certificate of divorce).
• Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower.

There are additional requirements for citizens of other countries.

Information provided by Destination I do Magazine Spring 2008 Issue