Apply Now for a Passport

^{Edited 11/23/06: The passport situation has changed again -- read the latest passport news.}

In just about two months on January 8, 2007, US citizens will need a passport for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Panama and Bermuda by air. The actual development of the new passport "substitute," the PASS card, has been announced at last and the PASS, which will be cheaper than a passport, may be ready when rules on passports and Canada/Mexico land travel also change in June, 2009, although passport deadlines may change yet again. Currently, US citizens may cross borders to and from the affected countries while bearing only a government-issued ID (like a driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a US birth certificate). US territories, like Puerto Rico, are exempted from the new rules only as regards the US.

All of that means that you may want to apply for a passport right now as getting a passport can take up to two months in normal circumstances, and the coming passport application stampede won't be normal. Learn more about getting a US passport:

• All About Passports
• How to Get Your First Passport
• How to Get a Passport Without a Birth Certificate
• Do-It-Yourself: How to Expedite a Passport Application
• PASS Passport Card Development Open for Comment
• Passport Deadline Extended to 2009 -- Passport Legislation History

Related: What Documents Will I Need for Student Travel? | Documents Needed for Mexico Travel

Photo Kathleen Crislip 2006