Here we go again… yet another revision in passport rules. However, this one may be welcome news to all of you angry travelers who have been victimized by the backlog of passport applications. As of yesterday, the federal government temporarily waived its new anti-terrorism rules and lifted the requirement that U.S. passports be used for travelers flying to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
What do the new rules mean for you summer travel plans? According to government officials, right now you will be able to fly without passports to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda through September 30th provided you show a receipt verifying you have applied for a passport.
But wait–there’s more. In addition to showing your receipt that proves you have applied for a passport you would also need to comply with the following:
· Be required to show another form of government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license.
· Endure extensive questioning by border-security agents.
· Have your bags thoroughly examined.
If you have already applied for a passport but did not receive a receipt you can get one by going to the State Department’s website.
You’ll recall in a previous blog I told you that the tighter passport rules (which took effect in January) were part of a post-9/11 effort to tighten security along the nation’s borders and at airports. A great safeguard; however, it seems the government was not prepared for the ensuing backlog of applicants.
Typically, passports are processed in less than six weeks, though in recent months, it has taken up to six months. The massive backlog had some travelers concerned that they would have to cancel summer vacations or lose money on non-refundable airline tickets.
Currently, the government requires all citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, Central and South American countries, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
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