New passport rules now in effect

By Staff
U.S. Representative Bud Cramer, D-Alabama, is hailing the easement of new passport rules, which will temporarily allow individuals from North Alabama to travel within the Western Hemisphere without a passport. The State Department said U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for but have not received their official passport can move forward with their travel plans as scheduled. American citizens will be allowed to enter and leave the country with a valid government issued photo identification and an official proof of their passport application. Children under the age of 16 who are traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child’s proof of application.
As a result of the extensive delay in processing passports, Representative Cramer advises North Alabama residents that passports could take as long as eight to 12 weeks to issue. He encourages individuals ensure that their passport is up-to-date and to take steps to renew it well in advance of any planned trip.