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 News from Around the Americas | October 2007 
Passport Becomes Mandatory For Air Travel
 Arleene Barrios - KFOX
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El Paso, Texas - Traveling by plane to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda will now require U.S. Citizens to show a passport when reentering the United States.
The only exception will be for those who left prior to Oct. 1 and will enter the U.S. after Oct. 1.
Since January, many people have been rushing to apply for a passports. In fact, more than 4.5 million people applied between March and May, causing a major backlog. It forced the state department to temporarily lift its new passport requirement, that expired at midnight, Sept. 30.
For the past few months, travelers have been allowed to reenter without a passport as long as they can show proof they have applied for one.
"I think people should have a passport to go from one country to another regardless of what country," said Carlos Fernandez, who said he has always had a passport. The temporary lift did not affect him.
"Back then my American ID, and my Mexican ID were sufficient," said Jose Maguregui, who has a trip to Mexico City planned for November and has yet to apply for a passport.
"I'll be traveling from the other side of the border. I can just use my old Mexican ID, fly south, go back to Juarez, and then cross the border," said Maguregui. The new law will not affect him because he will not need a passport to cross the border.
The government has not said when it will require passports for travel by land and sea. It could be implemented by next summer.
Anyone traveling by plane to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, or Bermuda who's not a U.S. citizen, could still travel with an Alien Registration Card or show proof of residency.
According the state department website, wait time for getting a passport is between 10 and 12 weeks. Expedited processing can take two to three weeks. It may take longer for customers who apply for a renewal by mail without "Expedite" marked on the mailing envelope. Automated lines are available to assist customers who have not received their passports and need them within one or two weeks. Appointments are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The best time to call is between 8:30 p.m. and 9 a.m., Eastern Time. The number to call is 1-877-487-2778.
Travel Information http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
Check Passport Status https://passportstatus.state.gov/opss/OPSS_Status_ip.asp
Passport Information/Application http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Passport Facilities http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ **Officials warn there is no charge for an appointment at any passport agency. You can also apply at U.S. post offices and the District Clerks Office at 500 E San Antonio Ave # 103.
Caribbean Travel http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3256.html
Frequently Asked Questions http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3254.html |
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