About Passports

This article comes from the Ohio Construction Supplier's Association.

Are you planning a trip to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean? As of June 1, American citizens entering or returning to the United States by air, land, and sea are required to produce standardized documents. A passport already is required for all international air travel to and from the United States.

The new law means Americans must have one of the designated documents: a passport, passport card or a “trusted traveler” document such as the Nexus card. There are exemptions for children under 16: They need just a birth certificate (an original or copy). Teenagers 16 through 18 traveling in organized groups – such as school or sports teams – also need only birth certificates.

What will happen if someone arrives at a U.S. border crossing without a passport or one of the new alternative IDs? The U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicate that entry would not be denied, although a lengthy delay might be in order while citizenship is verified.

Getting your passport is easy but requires some advanced planning. To ensure you receive your passport in time, be sure to send in your documents at least six weeks prior to your departure date. Full details on attaining or renewing your passport can be found at here. You may also apply for a passport at your local United States Postal Service Office.