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 News from Around the Americas | December 2006 
New Travel Rules Create Longer Post Office Lines
 Chris Duffy - wbay.com
| | Next year postal workers expect even longer lines, because beginning in January of 2008 even drivers visiting Canada or Mexico will need to show a passport to get back in. |
It's kind of hard to believe with all the winter coats, but in a few months many people in line at the post office will be relaxing on a beach in Mexico.
"We're going to go to Puerto Vallarta," Bridget Staley of Seymour said.
"I'm actually going on vacation, hopefully, this summer with some friends," Tyson King said.
But if they want to get back into the U.S., they'll need a passport.
It's why U.S. postal workers say you should expect to see long lines at the post office through the end of January as people prepare for new travel regulations.
Beginning January 23rd, all air travelers coming from a country in the western hemisphere, including Canada or Mexico, must show a valid passport when they fly back to the U.S.
Currently, those travelers only need to show a drivers license or birth certificate to gain access to the country.
"It takes right now, approximately six to eight weeks to get a passport, so if you're anticipating a trip, you should be coming in to apply for your passport at this time," Terri Michlig, U.S. Postal Service, said.
This new measure is enforced by the Department of Homeland Security.
Michlig said, "I think it's beneficial for everyone for the security of all of us to have a passport."
If you go to one of the Green Bay post offices in the near future, don't expect it to be an "in and out" endeavor. They've seen a 50-percent increase in passport applicants since this time last year.
Bridget Staley wasn't expecting to wait in a long line after Christmas. "No, everybody's doing last last-minute package sending."
Next year postal workers expect even longer lines, because beginning in January of 2008 even drivers visiting Canada or Mexico will need to show a passport to get back in. |
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