The Bush administration announced 20 June 2007 that it will delay new passport requirements for Americans who enter the country by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
The rules were supposed to take effect next January, but the administration says passports will not be required until later in 2008. Instead, beginning Jan. 31, 2008, Americans will have to show a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship, when they cross the border.
Still, how long will you wait for a passport?
Normally, the wait time is six weeks. Now, count on ten weeks.
If you're in a time crunch, pay for expedited service from the State Department -- an extra $60 on top of the standard $97 application or $67 renewal fee. Then add overnight delivery charges -- both ways -- to one of the government's processing centers.
If you're leaving within two weeks, call 877-487-2778 for an appointment at one of 15 regional passport offices. Be prepared to show your tickets or itinerary. Your congressional office may be able to help. Or you can hire a professional expediter -- find one at http://www.napvs.org/. For fees ranging from about $80 to $200 (on top of the other charges), they'll rush your passport through.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment