Contact Information: Contact: Rose Rougeau 1-800-888-5521 (ext. 6552) E-mail:
State Department Eases Passport Requirements for Western Hemisphere Travel
| Source: AAA Texas
IRVING, TX--(Marketwire - June 11, 2007) - AAA Texas is alerting travelers that due to a
backlog of passport applications, the U.S. State Department has modified
its requirement that began earlier this year that U.S. citizens present
passports when flying to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda and
returning to the U.S.
What is required, though, is proof that a traveler has applied for his or
her passport. Through September 30, 2007, air passengers to Canada,
Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to show a government
issued photo identification and U.S. State Department official proof of
application for a passport.
AAA Texas recommends that passport applicants visit the State Department
web site at www.state.gov where they will receive instructions about how to
track their passport application and print out a form which will contain a
unique "locator number." This printout must be used to depart and return
to the United States.
"For people who might have been apprehensive about planning trips to
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda due to passport delays, this is
encouraging news," said Diana Meinhold, vice president of travel for AAA
Texas. "Now, they just have to get their passport application submitted
and show proof from the State Department that the application is being
processed."
As of January 2008, all American cruise and driving passengers traveling to
any country outside the U.S. will be required to carry a passport in order
to re-enter the U.S.
"For people who don't have access to a computer or the Internet, AAA Texas
recommends seeking a computer with Internet access at a local public
library," added Meinhold.
Passport applications are available at any AAA Texas office or a U.S. Post
Office, and can also be downloaded at the State Department's Web site,
www.state.gov. Citizens who wish to either renew or apply for a new
passport must submit passport photos with their application, and those can
be taken at any AAA Texas office for a fee of $7 for members and $10 for
non-members.
First-time passports cost $82 for citizens less than 16 years of age, and
$97 for those 16 years old and older. Passport renewal costs $67. For an
additional fee, there are services to expedite passport applications and
reduce the processing time to 4 weeks or less. Contact the State Department
or AAA Texas for more information.
First-time applicants for a passport, or those with expired or lost
passports, must submit their application in person to a passport processing
location such as a post office during the hours that service is available.
Non-expired passports can be renewed by mail by sending the application,
the most recent passport and two identical passport photographs to the
State Department.
In addition to passport photos and applications, travelers can obtain a
wide range of needed services at AAA Texas, including international driving
permits, Mexico auto insurance, and travel insurance. AAA Travel
professionals are available to help both members and non-members plan
domestic and international tours and cruises at no additional charge, as
well as other services such as car rentals and hotel bookings. Members
receive special discounts or benefits on selected travel packages, and
complimentary AAA maps and TourBooks®.
For more information on international travel, review passport information
at AAA.com, visit a AAA Travel professional or the State Department Web
site, www.state.gov.
AAA Texas, a member of the American Automobile Association federation of
motor clubs, has been serving Texans since 1902. Today, more than a
million AAA Texas members benefit from the organization's roadside
assistance service, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing
and financing services, trip planning services, and traffic safety
programs. Information about these products and services is available on
AAA Texas web site at www.aaa.com.