U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey today advised 11th District residents that the U.S. Department of State is working to address the current backlog in passport applications. The State Department has announced that citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean who have applied for, but not yet received, a passport can temporarily travel to these destinations with (1) a government issued photo identification and (2) the Department of State official proof of passport application.
Proof of application can be accessed at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html. Proof of application is only good for travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean (including Bermuda). Citizens will need a passport for all other international travel destinations.
This change in policy only affects citizens who applied for a passport before June 8, 2007. Applicants after that date will not be allowed to temporarily travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean without a passport, and are advised to allow a minimum of 12 weeks for passport delivery.
Citizens can check the status of their passport application by visiting www.travel.state.gov or by calling (877) 487-2778.
"Whether you're traveling overseas for business or pleasure, it is extremely important to apply for your passport at least three months in advance," said Gingrey. "I've heard from many Georgians caught up in this backlog, and I'm relieved the State Department is working to address this problem."
For help with passport issues, constituents can contact Congressman Gingrey's office: Marietta (770) 429-1776; Rome (706) 290-1776.
BACKGROUND: Since January, the State Department has experienced a severe backlog in issuing U.S. passports. The backlog is due to new rules requiring a passport for adults traveling to Canada and Mexico, leading to a record demand for these documents.