ATA Advises Travelers Needing Passports to Apply Now

As the New Year approaches, the Air Transport Association on Wednesday set out to remind travelers of new passport policies that go into effect January 23, 2007 that could affect travelers lacking a passport. On that date, all travelers entering the United States by air will be required to present a passport to enter, including U.S. citizens returning to the country from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State instated the new requirements as a result of recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission. ATA's reminder also noted that receiving a new passport can take up to eight weeks.