New Passport Rules Taking Tighter Turn

For those dragging their feet when it comes to getting a passport, listen up: Starting Jan. 31, adult travelers re-entering the USA by land or via ferry or small boat must carry either a passport or a government-issued photo ID PLUS PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP, mainly a birth or naturalization certificate.

Only proof of citizenship is needed for Children 18 and younger.

Cruise passengers are not required to show passports, though cruise lines recommend that passengers carry a passport and already require photo ID and proof of citizenship.

The recent changes relate to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, launched after 9/11. All U.S. travelers coming from Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean by air have had to carry passports since Jan. 23 — a requirement that sparked months-long processing delays earlier this year.

Delivery time for a standard passport is now four to six weeks and three weeks for an expedited version.

Information:www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ and travel.state.gov/passport.

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