New Passport Requirements Lead To Confusion

(AP) SAN FRANCISCO A law that takes effect Tuesday requiring Mexicans, Canadians, Bermudans and U.S. citizens flying into the United States to have passports is leading to some confusion and long lines at consulates.

The new requirement affects travelers who were previously able to use birth certificates or other documents to enter the country. The regulation was recommended by the 9/11 Commission and mandated by Congress with the intent of ensuring the country's safety.

"It's about security -- border security," said Mike Milne, spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The next step in increasing border safety -- expected as early as Jan. 2008 -- will require travelers entering by land or sea to hold valid passports. That rule would affect many more people as nearly three times as many travelers come into the United States by land or sea as do by air.

"It makes sense: If the rest of the world needs a passport, Mexicans should too," said Romero. "But it won't be easy."

A word to the wise should be sufficient - Beginning tomorrow, January 23, 2007, if you are a U.S. citizen, among others, and you are returning from a foreign country via air you must have a passport to enter the U.S. If you do not you could face a fine and/or long delays of several hours at the immigration office in the airport.

Beginning in January 2008, if you are a U.S. citizen, you must have a passport to return to the U.S. via any mode including driving and walking across the border as is so common here in Mexico. It would be wise to apply for your passport now if you don't already have one! The prices keep going up and the wait will be long - up to six months. -mm

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ABCs of Immigration: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative