Note, this only occurred in 2007 and there is no assurance that the Federal Government will reinstate this exemption for the summer of 2008.

In the Summer of 2007, the Bush Administration temporarily lifted a requirement that U.S. passports be used for citizens flying to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. How come? To placate Congress and irate summer travelers whose vacations have been thwarted by delays in processing their passports. The requirements go back into effect the end of September.

Travelers will be allowed to fly without a passport if they present a State Department receipt, showing they had applied for a passport, and government-issued identification, such as a driver's license.

Those without passports would receive additional security scrutiny, which could include extra questioning or bag checks. We still encourage you all to apply for your passports now.

Note, this only occurred in 2007 and there is no assurance that the Federal Government will reinstate this execmption for the summer of 2008.

Tom Russo