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Klobuchar Applauds State Department Decision Allowing Travel Flexibility

Due to backlog of passport applications, Federal Government makes accommodations

June 8, 2007

(Washington, D.C.) Today, travelers applying for passports received welcome news about delayed and pending applications.  The U.S. Department of State announced that they waived the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) passed by Congress in 2004, which required travelers to use a passport when traveling by air to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.  The provision aims to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for citizens and legitimate international visitors.

“This is good news for travelers and for our economy,” said Klobuchar.  “From business travelers, to newly weds, to students this waiver will help our federal agencies find ways to keep up with the record-breaking number of applications.”

Since the provision was enacted this past January, the State Department has been inundated with an unusually high demand for passports, causing significant delays for citizens to receive their passports. 

In an effort to help Minnesotans receive their passports more efficiently, Senator Klobuchar has worked with the State Department to process and expedite nearly one thousand passports for Minnesotans traveling abroad. 

Today’s State Department action allows Americans to use a government issued identification and proof of application in place of a passport when traveling to the affected countries until the waiver expires on September 30, 2007.

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