Matheson Says New Passport Rules Coming Soon

Urges Utahns to Plan Ahead

Washington, D.C.—Congressman Jim Matheson today urged Utahns to be aware of new passport regulations that take effect in June 2009 and to allow plenty of time to obtain a passport.

“The passport rules upon returning to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda are tightening,” said Matheson.  “To make sure travel plans aren’t disrupted, it makes sense to be aware of the new requirement and to get a passport application or passport renewal in sooner rather than later.”

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security, when returning to the U.S. at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.  In January 2007, when new federal air travel requirements took effect, passport applications soared to 1 million a month nationwide. Many Utahns were caught off guard, leading to a last-minute scramble to get the documents. 

Matheson said his office worked hard to help people get their passports in time, but the onslaught of new applications created long delays at the nation’s passport-processing offices.

More information is available at www.travel.state.gov

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