New Passport Rules Suspended Due To Backlog

There are new developments in the massive passport backlog that's jeopardizing the travel industry. If you're still waiting on your passport, your summer vacation could be saved. A travel agent

Thursday, June 7th 2007, 8:23 pm

By: News On 6

There are new developments in the massive passport backlog that's jeopardizing the travel industry. If you're still waiting on your passport, your summer vacation could be saved. A travel agent told the News On 6 on Thursday the Houston office is 700,000 passports behind and those are expedited passports. That's a lot of vacations in limbo. The News on 6â€™s Ashli Sims reports that's why the Bush administration is trying to step in to provide some relief.

Thousands are playing the waiting game, lining up outside of federal buildings all to get their hands on one of these.

"We're dealing with this on a daily basis and it's more than one occasion each day," said Jeff Olinghouse of World Travel.

New federal rules aimed at increasing Homeland Security now require travelers to Canada and Mexico to have a valid passport. The increase in passport applications and renewals has caused a massive backlog. Olinghouse says the Houston passport office is behind by about 700,000 expedited passports.

"That's not just regular processing that's expedited. People have paid the extra money to expedite, 700,000? 700,000 backlog!â€ said Olinghouse.

The White House has gotten wind of the problem and Friday morning, suspended the new rules for six months. The plan would allow travelers to fly to Canada and Mexico as long as they have a receipt, showing they applied for a passport.

"I think it would help because the majority of this market does travel to Mexico,â€ Olinghouse said. â€œIt's the number one destination out of the Midwest."

Some have come out against the plan saying it threatens national security. Other officials say if the plan goes through, travelers without passports would receive extra screening and more bag checks. Folks in the travel industry say something needs to be done.

"Itâ€™s coming to point-break, but luckily people are finding that their passports are coming in sometimes literally a day before they leave," Olinghouse said.

But for others, the picture perfect vacation is fading fast.

For those without a passport, but still looking to travel, check out cruises. You don't need a passport for a cruise, until 2008.

Watch the video: Bush Administration Provides Relief For Travelers Waiting On Passports