Passport Rules Eased Temporarily

The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security have announced that, through September 30, 2007, U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for -- but not yet received -- passports will temporarily be allowed to enter and depart from the U.S. by air, provided they have government-issued photo identification and official proof (from the Department of State) that they have applied for a passport. According to the State Department, "the federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand." New passport requirements went into effect on January 23, 2007.

• Read the U.S. State Department Press Release
• FAQs on the Temporary Changes and Travel Rules (State Dept.)
• New Passport Requirements (FindLaw)