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CHANGES
IN PASSPORT ISSUANCE AS OF February 1, 2008
On February 1st
several changes will take place in passport procedures.
-
Applications
for minors - all applications for minors under the age of 16 will
require the consent from both parents. This is a change from age
14. All acceptance facilities have been supplied with the pertinent
forms and fliers reflecting these changes. Please note that NEW
passport forms will replace the current forms and these forms will
make mention of the changes.
-
Also on February
1st, the passport office will begin to allow applicants to apply
for the new PASSPORT CARD. However, the production of the CARD will
not start until the spring. With the introduction of the card a
new schedule of fees will be introduced. This new schedule of fees
list fee changes affecting the passport books and cards. The passport
website already has been updated with the card information and you
may find more information concerning the card at http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html.
Keep in mind that the CARD is only good for land and sea crossings
to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. If you wish to fly
to any of these destinations you need to get a Passport.
-
U.S. Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS)
remind the traveling public that as of Jan. 31, 2008, all adult
travelers will be required to present proof of citizenship, such
as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s
license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports
of entry.
Currently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may
accept oral declarations of citizenship from U.S. and Canadian citizens
seeking entry into the United States through a land or sea border.
However, as of January 31, 2008:
-
Oral declarations
of citizenship alone will no longer be accepted
-
U.S. and
Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued
photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship,
such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
-
Children
ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of
citizenship, such as a birth certificate
-
Passports
and trusted traveler program cards - NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST
- will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel
-
All existing
nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will remain in effect
and will not be altered by this change.
DOS reminds the public that the current turnaround time for
a passport is four to six weeks, so Americans planning international
travel may wish to apply now. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport
visit www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778. Specific documentation
requirements for land, sea and air travel may be found at www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/
.
To learn more about
NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, visit www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/
If
you haven't received your passport 2 weeks
prior to your departure date, contact us at 1-866-371-8747. |
