Gordon Advises Travelers Of New Passport Requirements

September 6, 2006, WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon is urging Middle Tennesseans with international travel plans to get their passports in order before new requirements take effect in January.

The new requirements from the U.S. Department of State will require travelers to and from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and Panama to have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the U.S.

“Many travelers may be caught unaware of the passport requirements for international travel,” said Gordon. “This could result in delayed trips or extra expenses if travelers don’t prepare for the State Department’s new policy.”

The passport requirement will be implemented in two phases. The policy applies to air and sea travelers beginning January 8, 2007, while travelers entering the U.S. at land borders will not be affected until January 1, 2008.

The new provision will not affect direct travel between the U.S. and its territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

While January may seem a long time off to some, Gordon is urging travelers to apply for passports now if they do not already have them.

“Usually, the passport application process takes about six weeks,” said Gordon. “Waiting until the last minute to get documents in order can result in travelers paying extra fees or being forced to cancel their trips if their passports can’t be processed in time for their departure.”

For more information on where to get a passport and application requirements, contact Gordon’s office at (615) 896-1986.