Q&A | Passport rule eased; what it means for you

Under fire from stressed travelers and angry lawmakers, the Bush administration Wednesday postponed for at least six months a requirement that Americans traveling by land or sea between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and some Caribbean nations must carry passports.

The rule, which had been slated to go into effect in January 2008, will be delayed until next summer. Until then, travelers can use a government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license along with proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate.

The decision comes after a deluge of complaints about a three-month backlog at the State Department in processing passport applications. The backlog has snarled travel plans for many Americans who had planned to travel by air, and forced others to scramble even when they had applied months in advance. Nearly 3 million applications are awaiting processing.

Here's a look at what the passport requirements mean for you.

Q: When do I need a passport?

A: If you're flying from the U.S. to almost anywhere in the world, you need a passport. Previously, Americans could fly to some countries in the Western Hemisphere without a passport, but that rule changed in January. Americans do not need a passport for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which are U.S. territories.

Some other things to know:

• Children, including infants, must have their own passports.

• Because of the backlog, there is a limited exception to the passport rule for air travelers to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean (the countries affected by the tightened U.S. security of what's called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative). Until Sept. 30, you can fly to those areas without a passport if you've already applied for one and have a receipt.

Q: I'm leaving soon on a flight to Mexico, and I don't have my passport yet even though I applied for it months ago. What can I do?

A: If you applied for your passport but have not yet received it, you can still travel. But to re-enter the U.S. you'll be required to present a receipt showing your application (available at www.travel.state.gov) . The government estimates the wait time for receipts is seven to 10 days. The travel-with-a-receipt rule is valid through Sept. 30 and applies only to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and some Caribbean countries.

Keep in mind that these countries have their own rules for entry. Canada, for instance, requires U.S. airline passengers have either a passport or other proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate or naturalization papers and a government-issued photo ID. Mexico also requires a birth certificate. Double-check with the consulate or embassy of the country you're traveling to. Some information is available at www.travel.state.gov.

The passport waiver does not apply to any other countries; you must have a valid passport for all other travel abroad.

Q: What if I'm driving or taking the train to Vancouver or taking a trip on the Victoria Clipper?

A: It's recommended, but not yet required, that you have a passport. You do need to show proof of citizenship or legal residency, plus government-issued photo ID.

Passports for land and sea travel could be required starting as early as July 2008. Also under consideration are other types of ID, such as new enhanced driver's licenses or wallet-sized passport cards.

Q: I'm taking a Seattle-to-Alaska cruise that stops at a British Columbia port. Do I need a passport?

A: Not yet, since the law requiring passports for land and sea travel to Canada (and other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative countries) will not take effect until next summer. However, most cruise lines recommend having a passport.

Q: How do I get a passport?

A: The U.S. State Department issues passports. To get one for the first time, you must go in person to a passport acceptance facility. Find one near you by going to http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ .

When applying, you'll need a completed application form; proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate; photo ID; and two photographs of yourself. Get details and application forms at www.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center, 877-487-2778.

Q: Is renewing a passport quicker than getting a first passport?

A: No. Renewals and first-time applications go through the same swamped government bureaucracy. The only advantage is that you can renew by mail (as long as you were 16 or older when your previous passport was issued and you received it within the last 15 years). Minors 16 and under must renew in person.

Q: When should I apply for a passport?

A: If you're flying abroad in the summer or fall, apply now. To get your passport in time, you can pay extra for expedited service; you should then obtain your passport in two to three weeks instead of the usual three-month wait for a normal application.

Even if you're not traveling until early 2008, apply soon; better to have your passport in hand than worry about it not arriving in time.

Q: What should I do if I'm leaving on a trip in the next two weeks and I still don't have a passport?

A: Provided you have the airline tickets or other travel documents to prove your departure date, call toll-free 877-487-2778, press "1" if you would like English and "2" for an appointment at the Seattle Passport Agency, 915 Second Ave. in the Henry Jackson Federal Building (Suite 992) in downtown Seattle. The phone lines have been so clogged that sometimes they haven't been accepting calls. If you can't get through, plead your case in person.

Kristin Jackson: kjackson@seattletimes.com or 206-464-2271. Carol Pucci: 206-464-3701 or cpucci@seattletimes.com