New Passport Rules Take Effect in Two Months

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

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Consider this your two-month warning: On June 1, U.S. citizens returning from Canada and Mexico by land or sea will need a passport or government-issued border-crossing card to do so.

Travelers may also use military ID or enhanced-technology driver’s licenses, which are available in Washington, New York, Vermont, and Michigan. Previously, Americans could cross back into the U.S. with a birth certificate or a regular driver’s license.

The government is worried that many people don’t realize the rules will take effect so soon. As Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told USA Today, “So many people live on the border and are used to crossing back and forth informally,” which has given rise to fears of confusion and disruptions to routine traffic across the borders when the rules change.

The State Department is bracing for a significant spike in passport applications, so travelers in need of new documentation should plan accordingly. Currently, routine applications should be completed in four to six weeks, but as we saw a few years ago, wait times can grow if passport offices are overwhelmed. Avoid the risk and get your application in early.

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