Sensational Travel Helps Public to Plan Ahead for New Passport Rules

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 stipulates new passport requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to certain destinations. As a public service, an evening passport application session has been arranged by Sensational Travel of Salem in cooperation with the Salem Hawthorne Hotel and the Salem and Peabody branches of the U.S. Postal Service.

Salem, MA (PRWEB) August 5, 2006 -- Many U.S. citizens may be in for a surprise the next time they want to travel outside U.S. borders, even if only driving into Canada or Mexico. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 stipulates a new phased-in passport requirement for U.S. citizens traveling to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico, Central and South America, and Canada. The new requirements go into effect on December 31, 2006 for air and sea travel to or from these destinations. The new requirements will also apply to land border crossings effective December 31, 2007. All travelers, including infants, will require a passport.

As a public service for north shore residents, an evening passport application session has been arranged by Sensational Travel of Salem in cooperation with the Salem Hawthorne Hotel and the Salem and Peabody branches of the U.S. Postal Service. The event will provide residents with a convenient evening opportunity to apply for U.S. passports. The postal service will even be able to take your passport photos on the spot.

This special session will be held at the Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square West, Salem on Thursday, August 17 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Adult applicants will need an original long-form birth certificate with seal (or certain other proof of citizenship) and positive ID, such as a driver’s license. Minors will need the birth certificate and must appear with a parent. Both parents must appear with a child under 14 years old. Each applicant must also have two identical passport photos.

Passport fees total $97 for those 16 years of age or older and $82 for children under 16 years. The postal service will do on-the-spot photos for an additional $15.00 fee. Processing time is typically six to eight weeks.

For further information, please call Marisa Cole at Sensational Travel at 978-745-2575.

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