No Passport, Can Travel

A Summer Reprieve from More Stringent Passport Rules

Still don't have your passport? Thousands of passports are in a backlog that was created when new passport regulations for North America came into effect in January 2007. There is some good news in what is proving to be lengthy wait times for travel documents - if you have applied for a passport, you can obtain proof of that and travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean without a passport this summer.

The Announcement
On June 8, 2007 it was announced that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for their passports, but haven't yet received them, are allowed to travel by air with government-issued photo identification proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007.

Why are Passport Rules Being Relaxed?
Longer than expected processing times for passport applications and incredibly increased demand led to the summer softening on passport rules.

You Applied for, and Haven't Received Your Passport...
If you applied for, but haven't received your passport then you need to present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State for your air travels to the countries listed below. For those under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian the child’s proof of application will suffice. If you have not applied for a passport you are jeopardizing your air travels.

What Countries are Affected by this Announcement?
The travel without a passport applies to Americans traveling to Canada, Bermuda, Mexico and Caribbean countries. All other countries (European nations, Asia, etc.) that require passports MUST have passports for travel.