BNSF News

Be Prepared for New, Stricter Passport Rules

2007-12-17

If you frequently travel abroad to Canada or Mexico be sure to check out new and stricter rules for travelers beginning Jan. 31, 2008. Adult travelers re-entering the United States by land or via ferry or small boat must carry either a passport or a government-issued photo ID plus proof of citizenship such as a birth or naturalization certificate. Children 18 and younger need only proof of citizenship.

Cruise passengers are officially exempt, though cruise lines encourage passport use and already require photo ID and proof of citizenship.

The latest changes are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. All U.S. travelers returning from Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean by air have had to carry passports since Jan. 23, a requirement that sparked months-long processing delays earlier this year. Turnaround time for a standard passport is now four to six weeks and three weeks for an expedited version.

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