More Passport Information

[nu2sea]

When the US State Department announced the new policy to allow people to re-enter the country from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean nations, on proof of a passport application instead of a passport due to the delay in processing, they failed to mention that Americans must still comply with the requirements of those other nations in order to enter them.

 

Which is causing some problems for travelers trying to fly to Mexico from LAX, according to today's LA Times. In lieu of a passport, Mexico requires an original or certified copy of a birth certificate. Canada requires an original. Both also require a picture ID.

 

Problems arise for some Americans who have sent their original birth certificates to the State Department as part of the passport application.

 

So, even though a receipt as proof of an application will get you back into the United States, it is not enough to get you out if you plan to travel to Canada or Mexico.

 

Here is the State Department's new advise: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

 

On a more positive note, the government has agreed to refund the $60 to travelers who paid for expedited service but did not receive their passports within the time promised.

 

Susan