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Current Events
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Canada and United States struggle with increased passport demand
Both Canada and the United States attribute the recent surge in demand for passports to a lack of understanding about the requirements of the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which took effect January 23, 2007. The WHTI was implemented to increase border security and stems from the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Both the United States and Canada have posted information to their websites to reflect the current status regarding passport application and new, longer processing times.
In Canada
Passport Canada has posted a bulletin on its website stating it is experiencing a sharp increase in passport applications in all of its offices, by mail, and through its receiving agents. Therefore, it may take up to 10 weeks to receive a passport.
Under the website’s “What’s New” section, a notice has been posted: “Taking Measures to Reduce Line ups.” It advises Canadians of the WHTI and the fact that Canadians traveling by air to the United States will now need to have a valid passport. However, for the time being, if not traveling by air, travelers may continue to use such documents as birth certificates and drivers licenses to cross the Canada-U.S. border by land or sea for at least another year.
Passport Canada believes the confusion about when a passport is needed and when it is not is causing this record demand, and asks Canadians who do not require a passport now to submit their application later in the spring. The website includes information on the WHTI and its intent, and a variety of clarifications to WHTI rules.
In the United States
The U.S. State Department recently posted a notice on its website advising that applicants may now face wait times of up to 10 weeks rather than the usual six to receive passports. Also, expedited service may take four weeks or longer instead of the usual two weeks. The WHTI requires passports for U.S. citizens flying to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs indicates that people are confused about the law and do not realize that passports are not required for traveling to those destinations by land or by sea until at least 2008.
It also appears that third-party, private-business passport expediting companies are facing similar obstacles and delays. These companies charge an additional $100 to $180 USD to speed up the passport application process.
Travelers looking for more detailed information on this complex situation should visit the following websites:
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Passport Canada: www.ppt.gc.ca
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U.S. State Department: www.travel.state.gov
Sources: www.ppte.gc.ca, www.travel.state.gov, The Seattle Times
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