Gillibrand: Passport Requirement Rule Change and State Department Refund

Press Release

Gillibrand: Passport Requirement Rule Change and State Department Refund

As of today, October 1, 2007, the State Department will reinstate the requirement that U.S. travelers bound for Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda carry a passport. That requirement was temporarily lifted in early June.

In preparation, local Congresswoman Gillibrand issued the following statement:

"Even with the lifted restriction my offices repeatedly heard from scores of frustrated travelers this summer in need of help. Despite turning their paperwork in on time, these travelers were left scrambling to keep their travel plans intact.

"It was particularly disturbing that the State Department appeared to be caught flat footed at the expected summer spike in requests.

"Given the problems of the past I continue to be concerned, now that the waiver rule has been lifted and all travelers will need their passport in hand.

"My office stands prepared to continue to help travelers in need of assistance in acquiring a passport and I will encourage folks who are even contemplating travel in the coming months to apply for a passport today."

Individuals in need of assistance should contact one of the Congresswoman's district offices.

Source