Long application delays hinder travel

U.S. Passports Needed for Caribbean Travel

Haven't applied for a passport yet? Here's how and where to apply for a new U.S. Passport or to renew an old one.

Due to tighter security restrictions, U.S. citizens returning from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America are required to carry a valid U.S. passport to re-enter the United States.

U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air by presentation of a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007. 

The federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand.

Adults who have applied for but not yet received a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State. Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child's proof of application status.

Children traveling alone should carry a copy of their birth certificate, baptismal record or a hospital record of birth in the United States in addition to their passport application status documentation.

This accommodation applies to all American citizens who apply for passports, until September 30, when this accommodation period ends. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html .

Citizens of most other countries have been required to carry passports to enter the Caribbean for years. Americans are finally joining their ranks.

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