Information Regarding Passports

taken from AAA Newsletter 2/2007

Passports are now required for air travel between the United States and Canada and it has been proposed that it will be required for all border crossings as early as January 2008.

As of January 23, 2007, Americans traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, South America, Central America and the Caribbean countries now need a passport.

"Canada and Mexico are the biggest international destinations for U.S. travelers, and the first months of the year are high season for the Caribbean and travel to Mexico." said Thomas Chestnut, President and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York.

Under the new requirements, airline passengers from the U.S. and Canada traveling to countries in the Western Hemisphere will be required to present a valid passport for entry and reentry into the U.S.

Through a partnership with Travisa, a visa processing company, AAA members and nonmembers alike can get a new passport in as little as one business day by paying an additional processing fee. Travelers need only bring a birth certificate or naturalization certificate and have a signed letter of authorization from a post office or county clerk. AAA can provide all the required forms and passport photos, and can help with the application process. The traditional process takes from two to six weeks.

"There are a number of good reasons to have a passport, like last minute vacation opportunities or overseas emergencies," said Chestnut. "A passport also is one of the most universally accepted forms of ID in North America."

According to recent figures released by the U.S. Department of Commerce, 20 million Americans visited Mexico and 14 million Americans visited Canada in 2005. Less than 27 percent of Americans have a valid passport.

The new requirements are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a provision approved by Congress in 2002.

The below information was taken from the U.S. Department of State’s website:

• Beginning on January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda were required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
• As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

• $14.50 (includes tax) - 4 photos
• Please call 275-3319 to schedule an appointment

Getapassport.com *

* Med Photo does not endorse the above service but only offers this link for information regarding alternative ways to obtain passport services.

Send comments to the attention of Bill Smith: william_smith@urmc.rochester.edu