| Passports
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. |
