07/21/2007

News / Preparing For New Passport Requirements

Summer is underway, which means Americans are loading up their family cars, taking off on airplanes or boarding cruise ships for well-deserved vacations. While many factors determine whether or not the trip turns out to be a “success,” one of the best ways to ensure a pleasant voyage is through proper planning.

As thousands of travelers have learned the hard way in recent months, when planning to visit Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean, just as important as booking a flight and securing lodging is having a passport in hand. Until this year, travelers returning from these destinations were able to re-enter the country by presenting a driver’s license or birth certificate. While this system was suitable at one time, the attacks of September 11, 2001, revealed weaknesses in our entry requirements that could be exploited by individuals seeking to do harm. Upon the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, Congress in 2004 mandated what is known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) to strengthen border security. As part of this program, beginning January 23, 2007, U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean must have a passport for re-entry.

While the State Department, which is responsible for the issuance of passports, thought it was prepared for the increase in applications resulting from this new requirement, it soon found out it wasn’t. As of May 31, 2007, the State Department has issued 10.3 million passports this fiscal year, which is a drastic increase considering it processed a total of 10.1 million passports for the entire year in 2005.

As the backlog in processing passports increased, many Americans were left biting their nails as their travel date arrived but their passport didn’t. Given the overwhelming number of applicants and the backlog at the State Department, the decision was made to loosen the requirements for re-entry through September 30, 2007, after the busy summer travel season. Until that time, Americans traveling by air who have applied for, but not yet received their passports can re-enter by presenting a government-issued photo ID, as well as proof of application from the State Department. After September 30, a passport will again be required. In an effort to prevent the backlog from re-occurring, the State Department has announced plans to hire hundreds of new employees to handle the processing. While this will hopefully prove effective, travelers with an upcoming trip out of the country who don’t have a passport should apply as early as possible to ensure they aren’t left at home.

In addition to the requirements for re-entry into the U.S., it is also important for travelers to find out the entry requirements for the country they are visiting. Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean require the presentation of certain documents upon arrival, and it is important to be prepared before leaving the country. More information on passports and the travel requirements of other countries is available at www.travel.state.gov .

Whether or not their final destination is out of the country, vacationers who plan to travel by air also need to plan ahead, allowing ample time to comply with increased security measures at airports. While these stricter requirements for passports and airport screening may seem like a nuisance, the ultimate purpose is to keep us, and our nation, safe. The best way to keep them from becoming an inconvenience is by planning ahead. It may not guarantee a perfect vacation, but it sure will help.
By Joe Barton
Source: http://www.mexiadailynews.com/opinion/local_story_199124454.html?keyword=topstory

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