PASSPORT DEADLINE TAKES EFFECT

The travel industry supports continuation of the passport requirement for American travelers returning into the U.S. by air under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) since passport wait times have been significantly reduced. Still, we remain concerned about potential challenges associated with issuance of U.S. passports and passport cards when WHTI enforcement begins for land and sea travel sometime in 2009. Finally, we also continue to share with federal officials the need to facilitate inbound Canadian travel by land through the acceptance of less expensive travel documents and outreach/communications efforts to explain the WHTI requirements. For up-to-date information on all passport related issues, visit www.getapassportnow.com.