Talking Points – REAL ID Act & Acceptable Identification

Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and customers when discussing the REAL ID Act, its future implementation and its impact on travel. (Updated July 31, 2017)

1. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “REAL ID Act” will ultimately require all state-issued drivers’ licenses to include “machine-readable technology” or chips to mitigate the number of air and cruise passengers using counterfeit forms of identification to pass through security.

2. The final phase of the REAL ID Act will be implemented beginning January 2018, and more than 20 states are not yet in full compliance, but have been granted extensions through October 10, 2017.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “REAL ID Act” will ultimately require all state-issued drivers’ licenses to include “machine-readable technology” or chips to mitigate the number of air and cruise passengers using counterfeit forms of identification to pass through security.

 According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and the Federal Government to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents, which should inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification. REAL ID implements a 9/11 Commission recommendation urging the federal government to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”

 The REAL ID Act:

o “Establishes minimum standards for the production and issuance of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and authorizes grants to assist states in implementing the requirements.”

o “Prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official uses driver’s licenses and identity cards from states unless the Department of Homeland Security determines that the state meets the standards. Official uses are defined as accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding federally-regulated commercial aircraft.”

 “REAL ID is not a national identification card. States and territories will continue to issue driver’s licenses and identification cards, and there is no Federal database of driver information. Each jurisdiction will issue its own unique license and maintain its own records.”

 The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is part of DHS, requires adult passengers 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to

 

travel. (TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.) These forms of identification include:

o Driver’s license or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)

o U.S. passport

o U.S. passport card

o DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

o U.S. military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DoD civilians)

o Permanent resident card

o Border crossing card

o DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license

o Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)

o Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID

o HSPD-12 PIV card

o Foreign government-issued passport

o Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

o Transportation worker identification credential

2. The final phase of the REAL ID Act will be implemented beginning January 2018, and more than 20 states are not yet in full compliance, but have been granted extensions through October 10, 2017.

 On January 8, 2016, the DHS announced the final phase of implementation of the REAL ID Act will take place on January 22, 2018. The official statement included the following information:

o At present, 25 states and the District of Columbia are fully compliant with the REAL ID Act. Federal agencies can accept driver’s licenses and identification cards from these states.

o More than (20) states have been granted extensions; however, these extensions expire October 10, 2017.

 “Extensions are renewable at the discretion of the Secretary [of Homeland Security] provided there is adequate justification for continued noncompliance. Renewal is not automatic and the state should provide DHS with information about their progress in implementing any outstanding standards.”

 In determining whether to grant extensions, DHS will consider among other things:

 Progress made by jurisdiction in implementing the minimum standards of the Act;

 Justification for noncompliance and plans for implementing any unmet requirements; and

 Existence of external factors (e.g., resources, contract cycles, operations issues) that would delay full implementation.

 Many states offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL), which are designated as “acceptable” border-crossing documents by DHS. Meaning they are fully compliant with the REAL ID Act.

 

o As of December 15, 2016, TSA expanded its outreach at its airport checkpoints through signage, handouts, and other methods.

o Starting January 22, 2018, passengers with a driver’s license issued by a state that is still not compliant with the REAL ID Act (and has not been granted an extension) will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel to board their flight. To check whether your state is compliant or has an extension, click here. Passengers with driver’s licenses issued by a state that is compliant with REAL ID (or a state that has been issued an extension) will still be able to use their driver’s licenses or identification cards.

o Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel.

 For all states that are technically non-compliant, it is important remember:

o Residents of those states are still free to travel with their current identification.

o Residents of a non-compliant state with an EDL or passport do not have to worry about the final phase of the REAL ID Act other than to use their EDL, passport or other accept for identification for all airline travel.

o For travelers interested in obtaining a passport, the current processing time is approximately 6-8 weeks from the time of application.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

 We believe in providing the facts as we know them to our clients so they may make informed decisions regarding every aspect of their travel plans.

 Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.

 As professional travel agents, we are trained to monitor situations that may impact clients’ travel plans and how they travel. As such, we are also in a position to recommend steps they can take to ease their travels.

o We strongly recommend to our clients that they apply for passports since they’ll not only be able to use them for international travel (including to Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico), but they’ll be accepted universally as a form of identification.

o We also encourage our clients to sign up for the DHS’ Global Entry program, which enables travelers to pass through U.S. Customs/Immigration much more quickly and also allows them to use TSA’s Precheck airport security lines.

Talking Points – Safe Travel to Mexico

Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing travel to Mexico. (Updated July 28, 2017)

1. Mexico resort areas are safe for travelers. There has been no security message issued by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, and the longstanding Travel Warning has not changed and does not warn against Americans traveling to Mexico – rather it further clarifies the relative safety of each state within Mexico.

2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure their safety.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.

1. Mexico resort areas are safe for travelers. There has been no security message issued by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, and the longstanding Travel Warning has not changed and does not warn against Americans traveling to Mexico – rather it further clarifies the relative safety of each state within Mexico.

 There is a news story that is being widely circulated regarding at least one resort with possibly tainted alcohol.

o The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel specifically cited the IBEROSTAR Paraíso del Mar in its recent story about two American siblings found unconscious in a pool at IBEROSTAR Paraíso del Mar. One of the individuals died after drinking several alcoholic drinks.

o The story also includes information that “the national health authority in Mexico has seized more than 1.4 million gallons of adulterated alcohol since 2010 — not just from small local establishments, but from hotels and other entertainment areas, according to a 2017 report by the country’s Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks.”

 “The bootleg liquor could be infused with grain alcohol or dangerous concentrations of methanol, cheaper alternatives to producing ethanol, government reports warn.”

 “And the mixtures are capable of making people extremely sick.”

o A spokeswoman told the Journal Sentinel “the company takes the health and safety of its guests seriously. The statement said the company’s Mexican resorts book about 500,000 guests a year and that the company adheres to strict regulatory standards.”

 “We work with a host of providers not unique to IBEROSTAR who service other hotel chains and renowned brands,” spokeswoman Yazmine Esparza said in an email. “Similarly, we only purchase sealed bottles that satisfy all standards required by the designated regulatory authorities.”

 

 More than 35 million people visited Mexico in 2016 and nearly eight (8) million Americans visited the country from January to October 2016 – the vast majority of those visitor traveled to and from Mexico safely.

 In the State Department’s Country Information page for Mexico, it notes “There have been allegations that consumption of tainted or substandard alcohol has resulted in illness or blacking out. If you choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation and to stop and seek medical attention if you begin to feel ill.”

 While the State Department currently has a Travel Warning in place, it has not changed since December 2016 and it does not explicitly say, “Do not travel to Mexico.”

 The State Department aptly notes: “Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year for study, tourism, and business, including more than 150,000 who cross the border every day. The Mexican government dedicates substantial resources to protect visitors to major tourist destinations, and there is no evidence that organized criminal groups have targeted U.S. visitors and residents based on their nationality.”

o It further states: “Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime that are reported in the border region or in areas along major trafficking routes.”

o Major resort areas where Americans like to go, such as Cancun, Cozumel, the Riviera Maya and Cabo San Lucas are quite safe.

 Major resort areas where Americans like to go, such as Cancun, Cozumel, the Riviera Maya and Cabo San Lucas are quite safe.

o According to the U.S. State Department, there are no travel advisories in place for:

 Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos (Please note that the State Department does advise Americans to exercise caution in Baja California and Baja California Sur)

 Campeche

 Chiapas (Palenque and San Cristobal de las Casas)

 Guadalajara (Please note that the State Department does advise Americans to defer non-essential travel to areas of Jalisco state along its border, and exercise caution in rural areas and on secondary highways.)

 Guanajuato (San Miguel de Allende and Leon)

 Hidalgo

 Mexico City

 Puebla

 Puerto Vallarta (Please note that the State Department does advise Americans to defer non-essential travel to areas of Jalisco state along its border, and exercise caution in rural areas and on secondary highways.)

 Queretaro

 Quintana Roo (Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Tulum)

 Tabasco (Villahermosa)

 Tlaxcala

 Veracruz

 Yucatan (Merida and Chichen Itza)

2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure their safety.

 It is highly recommended that all travelers purchase travel insurance to protect themselves if they become ill or injured, particularly in a foreign country, and require medical treatment and/or evacuation.

 If our clients are going to pack one thing, we’d strongly recommend it be common sense. No matter what our clients’ age or destination, they should always use good common sense when it comes to their personal safety, just as they would at home.

 To maximize one’s personal safety and security while traveling in Mexico or any other international destination:

o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.

o Stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Visit only legitimate businesses and tourist areas, and avoid areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur.

o Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member back home.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items.

o Make every attempt to travel during daylight hours, and stick to main roads.

 Additional precautions travelers can take, just as they would at home, include:

o Have someone you trust with you.

o If something seems suspicious, remove yourself from that situation.

o Be a good citizen. If you see a fellow traveler needing assistance don’t be afraid to help.

o If traveling with children, be sure to keep an eye on them at all times, especially near water as the resorts do not offer lifeguards.

 The U.S. State Department also advises the following specifically for travel to Mexico: “U.S. citizens are encouraged to lower their personal profiles and to avoid displaying indicators of wealth such as expensive or expensive-looking jewelry, watches, or cameras. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain awareness of their surroundings and avoid situations in which they may be isolated or stand out as potential victims.”

 We recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their travel plans at https://step.state.gov. This will help the State Department contact travelers if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or in the event an emergency transpires in the place where the individual is traveling.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

 The safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority, and we would not send our clients to a particular destination if we believed it to be unsafe.

 We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

 

 We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there and provide detailed information on the situation so they can make informed decisions for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.

 By working with a true travel professional, we assist our clients by consulting on the ideal vacation experience they are looking for and providing alternative destinations should the need arise.