Apply well in advance for U.S. passports! [View All]

After having experienced what I've experienced with my passport application, I strongly encourage anyone who will require a new passport for travel for anywhere other than a U.S. territory to apply no later than 4-6 months prior to their departure date. I applied at a local post office 10 weeks ago and still have not received my passport (my partner, sister and mother are in the same situation). Since they also have our birth certificates (required for processing) and we leave in two weeks for our trip, we're in a scramble to at least obtain another copy of our birth certificates to carry with us (part of our trip will be traveling over land to/from Canada). We are aware that passports are not yet required for "land/sea entries" to/from Canada, but we know that things can occur that would require flying to Canada (diversion of our flight, emergency medical evacuation, etc).

I'm aware that the January 1, 2008 requirements may well be pushed out due to what's happening now as far as the State Department's inability to handle the high volume of applications, but I thought it was worth a little heads up to those of you even considering travel outside the U.S.

My editorial comments: This is another shining example of the overall incompetence and stupidity of this regime. They put in new passport requirements then are completely unprepared to handle the increased volume of applications!

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As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

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<http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html>