Due to the extremely high volume of passport applications, the departments of State and Homeland Security announced a new directive in response to severe and lengthy delays in obtaining a U.S. passport – stemming from the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements implemented in January. U.S. citizens will be allowed to depart and return to the United States using a government-issued photo ID PLUS the passport locator number issued during the application process. This policy will run through Sept. 30, 2007, by which time the State Department hopes to have cleared the backlog.
This temporary rule does not mean that U.S. citizens are exempt from the entry requirements of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, affected countries in the Caribbean region or any other country. U.S. travelers must verify and comply with the specific entry requirements of their destination country before departure. The State Department is reaching out to governments of countries affected by WHTI to consult with them about this announcement, hoping they will also take a flexible approach.
For more information, please visit the State Department Web site.