Tightening Regulations For American Travelers

Friday, December 15th 2006, 10:11 am

By: News On 6

New Homeland Security measures are tightening regulations for American travelers. Beginning next month, US citizens must have a passport to visit Mexico, Canada and other nearby countries. This includes travel on cruise ships.

News on 6 reporter Heather Lewin says there is a new place to get your passport, just in time for the change.

Sharon Dugger is applying for a passport for the first time. She's planning a cruise to Cozumel. "We heard that we needed a passport actually to get back into the country, not to leave, but to get in." She and several others lined up on the first day to pick up a passport at Tulsa's southeast station Post Office.

"We are very excited about it, it's a brand new service and convenience that we can offer our customers, a one-stop shop if you will. They can do everything from filling out the application to sending it off to be processed. They can even expedite the service if they need a quick turn around for their passport."

Sharon Dugger: â€œSo far it's been quick and easy. Filling out the application was simple and taking a picture and just waiting on the process."

In the past getting a passport might send you to two or three locations. Just remember, no matter where you go, to bring proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate or previous passport, and proof of identity like a driver's license.

The total fee is $97, $82 for people 15 and under.

Normally it takes about 6 weeks to receive your passport. The same services are available at post offices in Jenks and Broken Arrow.

The new requirements begin January 23rd for people traveling by air; those traveling by land and sea must have their passports by January 1, 2008.

For more information visit the US State Departmentâ€™s website.