I have heard that US citizens will soon be required to have a passport rather than a birth certificate and valid ID as in the past.
Has anyone heard anything? I have no passport, but intend on coming to TB again this January. If I do need a passport, I am also not sure how long it takes to get one.

They've been testing the new security system that mandates using a passport. I remember reading in the Observer that when the testing phase is finished, it will become mandatory but it's anyones guess when that is; i.e. two weeks, two months, two years (probably not anywhere that long though). You can pick up applications at your local post office, AAA or Walgreens will shoot the two pics you need and send it in. If you do it tomorrow you'll get your passport back in plenty of time for your January trip. I wouldn't waste too much time 'cause the overcrowding of our postal system begins in a few weeks. Your Congressperson can expedite things somewhat if you run into any problems. Your passport comes in much handier than you might think; leaving and re-entering the States is much quicker and it's a good form of ID should you travel to any foreign country, not just Jamaica.

I didn't want to take a chance and have passports required when I go in January, so I got one just in case.

It only took about 4 weeks (I applied in October), but you can get them expedited in 3 days for about $60 more. I cant wait to get some stamps on the thing!!!
http://www.passportinfo.com/faq.htm#hurry

I had my passport photo done at WalMart for $7 and filled out the passport application at the post office. You'll need a birth certificate to apply for your passport. (use the one you take to Jamaica, cuz you need the raised seal)

Here's an interesting tip for anyone who happens to be adopted....

On your birth certificate, the birth date and filing date can be no more than one year from eachother. So If you were born on January 1st 1968 than the filing date can be no more than January 1st 1969. If it IS later than that, then you'll need to have documentation to explain why... its usually because of an adoption, so you'll need to fork over some adoption papers (certificate). If you dont have those, then you'll need some sort of notorized vouging for your identity. (you'll have to find out what you need)

I totally lucked out with that. For some reason, my filing date shows as 3 days after I was born. (I was adopted when I was 3 yrs old!) Not gonna make a fuss over that one... I have my passport. :o)

I just hope they give us a little notice. Hopefully they won't say "starting tomorrow you will need a passport"
I would rather avoid the extra cost if possible. Jamaica is the only warm weather place I have ever cared to go to. (People often ask me why I don't go somewhere else, since I have been to Jamaica 19 times....nah...)
Anyone else hear anything?

Get the passport! It makes life a lot easier getting in and out of the US and I believe the security people appreciate it. If you get one, make several photocopies and stash them in different places just in case you loose the real one. The state department can use the copy to help expidite getting a new one. Just a suggestion.

22 year Jamaica veteran.

I'm not looking forward to having to use a passport (I have one). I have noticed that customs REALLY takes note of how often you come to Jamiaca when you use a passport. They don't seem to bother me as much when I use my birth cert. & drivers license.