Passports

[beer batter]

The wife is chirping about a trip this spring when the kids are off school first week of April. Possible location would be Mexico but we don't have passports, which will be required after Dec 31 traveling out of the country.

Anyone know approx. how long it takes to get passports?

[Gissert]

For new units, 6-8 weeks is the norm.

[Whoaru99]

You can get expedited faster than 6-8 week normal time, but it adds considerably to the cost.

[Ralph Wiggum]

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You can get expedited faster than 6-8 week normal time, but it adds considerably to the cost.

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Got mine last January and it took 6 weeks. Like mentioned, though, you can get them quicker for a cost.

[SCHAAKATTACK]

I would not wait. Once Jan 1 rolls around there will be a rush of applications.That may bog them down even longer.

[traveler]

Assuming you'll be flying, the new and improved passport deadline for travel to Cananda and Mesico is Jan. 20. Best get the applications in quick...the normal 6 weeks might well be a LOT longer. Or maybe not, no one really knows. The deadline for land or sea travel is now Jan. 1, 2008, but could well change again). Safest just to apply now and get it over with. It's something like 90 bucks for adults, 65 for kids I believe. For the kids applications, you both need to be there with them, with raised seal birth certificates for ID.

[SuddenlySummer]

Make sure that you get a Hep A shot. It's running rampant down there.

You never know who touches your food, fork, glass, etc...

Have fun.

[wood_dog]

I applied for my passport in October and got it yesterday...about 6 weeks.

[LaVoi]

Does this apply to just crossing a few miles into Manitoba that you now need a passport. I usually go up there only once a year in late march and wondering if I should get on this and get a passport. Thanks

[marine_man]

If you're driving you won't need a passport till 2008 I think... if you're flying you'll need one by the earlier date mentioned above.

marine_man

[minneman]

Check this out Lavoi, I do the same trip and was concerned too, heck, we probably have waved to each other...

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html

[Random guy]

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If you're driving you won't need a passport till 2008 I think...

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Yes but my understanding from a conversation with customs is without the passport you are now looked at a little closer after Jan 1 2007. Hopefully not looked at with a latex glove.

[vikingmeatwad]

def. order it up now. my parents just got theirs back in 4-5 weeks.

[Scoot]

MM, I was told the same thing. However, the Grand Forks Herald had an article a week ago stating that anyone traveling by land, sea, or air must have a passport as of Jan. 1 this year. I keep hearing mixed info on this, but I do know if I was headed to Canada by vehicle in the near future, I'd have a passport along. Might as well do it- you're going to have to soon anyway.

[Jim43]

This is right from the Gov HSOforum.

Q. When will the travel initiative be implemented?

n the proposed implementation plan, the initiative will be implemented in two phases. The proposed timeline will be as follows:

* January 23, 2007 – Passports, Merchant Mariner Documents (MMDs) or NEXUS Air cards would be required for all air travel from within the Western Hemisphere for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda.

* January 1, 2008 – It is anticipated that on January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes may permit a later deadline, both the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to put all requirements in place by the original deadline. Advance notice will be provided to enable the public meet the land/sea border requirement.

Q. Originally, the proposed date of implementation for the air phase was January 1, 2007. Why the change?

The Departments of Homeland Security and State proposed a later date in response to comments from the airline industry in order to help facilitate holiday travel. The requirement will go into effect on January 23, 2007 , 60 days after publication of the Final Rule in the Federal Register.