New US passport rules to impact millions of travelers
As of 23 Jan, all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean will for the first time need a passport to cross the US border.
The new regulations will impact millions of international travelers.But US travelers will also be affected. Starting in the spring, all US citizens applying for a passport will get an electronic version that’s embedded with a “smart” chip designed to thwart forgery.
The new regulations represent the most significant changes in border control in years, as federal officials try to bring the process of checking identification into the digital age, say government officials.
Many people heading to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean now travel with just a driver’s license for identification. Under the new rule, US citizens traveling by air need a passport.
For Americans who don’t want to pay $97 for a passport, the State Department also plans by the end of 2007 to introduce a “passport card” that would work like a passport. The card, which costs $20 for adults, is good only for those traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
The State Department issued 16 million passports in 2006, compared to 12 million in 2005, with the increase largely the result of the new rule. It’s now issuing the “e-passport” in some areas of the country. Conversion from the old passport is set to be complete this spring.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026