New Passport Requirements for Canada Travel

Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Soon Americans returning home via land and sea from any foreign destinations will need to show a passport or other secure travel document.

Effective since January 31, 2008, U.S. citizens 19 years and older who enter the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere need to present government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license as proof of identity, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, or a passport. Children age 18 and under will be able to enter with proof of citizenship. Verbal claims of citizenship and identity alone are not sufficient.

By June 1, 2009, a new American law, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require anyone, including U.S. Citizens, entering or re-entering the United States by land and sea to have a passport or other appropriate secure document.

WHTI currently requires anyone, including U.S. citizens, entering or reentering the U.S. by air to have a passport or a NEXUS card when used at a NEXUS kiosk at designated airports.

NEXUS is a joint Canada/United States program designed to let pre-approved travelers cross between the Canada and United States more quickly. Members can avoid long waits at the border entry points by using self-serve kiosks at airports and reserved lanes at land crossings.

Visit the U.S. Department of State website for international travel updates. www.travel.state.gov/travel

How Fast Can You Get a Passport?

Posted on Monday, November 10, 2008

There are over 8.8 million applicants for US passports each year.  For that reason, there are around 7,000 passport offices in the country. Generally it takes around 3 to 4 weeks to get a passport. But what if you need to travel soon? If you have 2 weeks, you can usually get an appointment at one of the 13 regional passport offices and get the passport sooner.

Need it even faster? Perhaps "immediately" like one of our clients who arrived at the airport only to realize his passport had expired? You can use ItsEasypassport.com who can usually get you a passport the same day, or within 24 hours. They work in conjunction with US Passport offices in New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Houston and other major U.S. cities & even have an office at the JFK airport. The fee for same-day service for a new passport or renewal, is currently from $249 plus standard government passport fees.