Planning on flying anytime soon? As of January 23, all air travelers entering or returning to the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or anywhere else in the Western Hemishpere will be required to present a valid passport. (Travel to U.S. territories Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands still does not require a passport, however.)
In 2009, the new Western Hemisphere passport requirements will extend to land- and sea-based travel as well.
New passports for adults cost $97 and are good for 10 years. For a child 15 and younger, passports cost $82 and are valid for five years. Passports may be obtained at many U.S. post offices. Check with your local post office first, because many only issue passports on certain days of the week and by appointment only. Some websites will expedite passport requests for a fee.
For more information, contact www.passportexpress.com or www.passportvisaexpress.com.
