Pallone Calls on DOT for Passport Clarity on Behalf of Constituents

The Congressman Highlights Consumer Confusion in Call for Improved Communication Procedures

WASHINGTON, DC – At the end of Passport Awareness Month, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today asked the Department of Transportation to implement additional procedures to ensure travelers are properly informed of passport requirements, so that lines of communication on foreign travel remain clear. Pallone wrote the letter because several of his constituents contacted him recently regarding interrupted travel plans due to unclear passport restrictions when purchasing a ticket that are required to enter the Schengen area. The Shengen area is made up of 26 European countries, including 22 European Union member nations, which have partnered for common passport procedures and reduced border control between the countries.

In his letter, the Congressman wrote, “It has come to my attention that inadequate information is being provided to travelers regarding certain passport restrictions in European countries… Many of my constituents have reported they were unaware of the passport expiration restriction when they purchased their airline tickets, and were only made aware of these rules when they arrived at the airport at their point of origin…Please inform my office what procedures are currently in place to provide consumers with passport expiration information on restrictions to enter the Schengen area.”

The full text of Pallone’s letter follows.

September 30, 2015

Dear Secretary Foxx:

It has come to my attention that inadequate information is being provided to travelers regarding certain passport restrictions in European countries. Several of my constituents have reported that their travel plans have been disrupted by this issue.

I understand that United States citizens with valid passports cannot enter European countries that make up the Schengen area unless their passports are valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Many of my constituents have reported they were unaware of the passport expiration restriction when they purchased their airline tickets, and were only made aware of these rules when they arrived at the airport at their point of origin. This failure to communicate important passport restriction information has caused severe disruptions for travelers and consumers.

While I understand the Department of State’s U.S. Passports and International Travel office provides information on travel to the Schengen area, I am requesting information on any and all procedures the U.S. Department of Transportation requires of airlines to inform consumers about travel to countries that are members of the Schengen Borders Agreement.

Please inform my office what procedures are currently in place to provide consumers with passport expiration information on restrictions to enter the Schengen area. I respectfully request the Department of Transportation work with the State Department to implement additional procedures to ensure travelers are properly informed of passport requirements, so that lines of communication on foreign travel remain clear.

I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

FRANK PALLONE, JR.

Member of Congress

CC: Michele Thoren Bond, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs, State Department