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Each customer traveling across any international boundary is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents, including any required visas, and for complying with the laws of each country flown from (the departure country), through (any transit country) and into (the destination country) as stated in Rule 19 of the Contract of Carriage. Please also note that security regulations may require us to provide government agencies access to certain personal data disclosed to us, and we may do so as outlined in Rule 30 of the Contract of Carriage.
Departure Requirements
Certain countries, including the United States, have travel document requirements for departure. Please note these requirements may be different than travel document requirements for entry into the destination country and for transit through a country.
U.S. law requires all customers, regardless of citizenship, age or destination, to hold a secure document to depart the United States by air (one-way or roundtrip itinerary). A secure document is a passport, U.S. permanent resident card, Refugee or Stateless travel document, Re-Entry Permit, NEXUS card, U.S Merchant Mariner Card, military ID, and emergency travel document issued by an embassy or consulate.
The following pictorial guidance on travel document requirements for departure from the United States by air is published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection:
Customers are reminded the Passport, visa and health requirements page does not include any travel document requirements for departure, which may be different.
Entry Requirements
All destination countries, including the United States, have travel document requirements for entry. In addition to any travel document requirements for departure, customers must satisfy travel document requirements for entry into the destination country and, depending on the itinerary, for transit through a country.
Passport, visa and health requirements for entry into destination countries and for transit through a country are provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on continental.com as a courtesy and must be verified before travel. For entry into the United States, additional information may be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/
Customers seeking entry into the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can review additional information on the U.S. Department of State website:
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
The US-VISIT program, which involves the collection of biometric data upon arrival in the United States by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, currently applies to most international travelers who are U.S. residents, U.S. visa holders or are entering the U.S. or Guam under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Additional information may be found on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Web Site.
U.S. law requires airlines operating international flights to or from the United States to provide travel document data for all customers via APIS. The United States also requires reporting the visiting address of all customers who are non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. residents traveling to the United States.
Condition of Passports
Passports must be in good condition. Continental may not accept passengers for international travel and may deny boarding if a passport is damaged beyond normal wear and tear and/or there is evidence of intentional or material alterations or mutilations. Examples of conditions of passports that may result in denied boarding include passports with significant tears, holes, or stains, as well as any changes, obliterations, or alterations, or any other damage which affect the integrity of the passport and/or the identification of the holder, such as the name, date of birth, citizenship and document number. For example, a passport with faded data, missing or severely torn, cut, or chewed pages or cover, missing picture, picture which can be removed from under the laminate or one which requires tape or staples to hold it together, or which has been substantially damaged by liquids, chemicals, or fire, may result in denied boarding. To ensure your travel plans are not interrupted, please make sure your passport is in good condition before you leave. For more information about U.S. passports, please visit the U.S. Department of State website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
Canada Passenger Protect Program
Since June 18, 2007, airlines have been required by regulation to implement Transport Canada's Passenger Protect Program. All passengers over the age of 12 must provide identification for comparison to a Specified Passenger List (SPL). Please go to www.passengerprotect.gc.ca for additional information.
Due to this Transport Canada regulation, all passengers traveling to/from Canada will be required to provide ID again at the gate prior to boarding.
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