New Passport Requirement for Canada, Mexico, etc.

[Infinite Hope]

"As of Jan. 23, passports are required for Americans flying into Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda. And crossing those borders by foot, by car or by sea will require a passport as of Jan. 1, 2008.
...
Getting a passport is expected to take six weeks, but Borden said there is such a volume of people applying that it could take longer. Getting it faster - in about three weeks - is an option, but it will cost at least $60 more. The county acts as an intermediary, sending the applications - which require first-time passport seekers to apply in person, such as at the treasurer's office - to Seattle for processing. Once obtained, passports are good for 10 years.

For adults, the cost to get a passport is $67 plus a county fee of $30. For children 13 years old and younger, the cost is $52 plus the county fee. Even newborn babies need them. Applicants need to pay by check or money order, Borden said. No cash. No credit cards."

More great information at the link. I insist you read the full article which isn't terribly long.
http://www.brainerddispatch.com/stories/010907/new_20070109029.shtml



For those looking to move to Canada, you better get your passports now. :popcorn:

[lligrd]

1. You Only Need It To Return So Far

And I can't help wonder how it can be Constitutional to require a passport to get back into one's own country.

[brokensymmetry]

2. So, let's suppose...

one goes to Canada without a passport. Say that it's
Feb. 1 of 2008.

One then goes to the Canadian authorities and says
"Gee, I can't go back to the U.S. May I just stay
here - permanently?"

Of course, one refuses to get that required passport...

:LOL:

[lligrd]

3. Now That Is An Idea

Even being stuck in the airport doesn't seem so bad. Thank goodness Hanks showed us how to do it. ;-)