Passport application available at 2008 All-Canada Show

Use the All-Canada Show as an opportunity to spotlight and  highlight the passport issue.  Interview an expert from the United States Postal Service. Begining January 1, 2008 the U.S. requires travelers returning, by air and DRIVING from Canada to have a passport.

Passport application available
Travelers to Canada in 2008 must have a passport

The All-Canada Show is partnering with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to accept passport applications at the 25th annual All-Canada Show traveling the Midwest U.S. this winter.  For a listing and show details for to www.allcanada.com.

To apply at the All-Canada Show, attendees are required to bring a certified birth certificate (needs a raised, embossed, highlighted or multi-colored seal) from county or state government (not a hospital document), and your current, valid driver's license. A Government ID, State ID or military ID may be used for those who do not have a driver’s license. Cash and check are the only forms of payment the State Department will accept.

As of January 1, 2008 ALL travelers to Canada are required to present a passport to re-enter the United States.  Travelers who do not have a passport - should apply for a passport as soon as possible.

The U.S. Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that on Jan. 1, 2008, travelers going to and from Canada, Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama and Mexico must have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer.

Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports. The Department of State designates the United States Postal Service to accept passport applications on its behalf.

“It makes perfect sense even for those travelers driving into Canada to get a United States passport,” says Jennifer Young, All-Canada Show president, “because it simplifies entry into and out of Canada, or for that matter, anytime you leave the U.S. In the post 9/11 world, all countries are working to secure their borders by positively identifying everyone upon entry. The easiest way to do this is with passports.”

Passport fees are $97, excluding the cost of a passport photograph, and a passport is good for 10-years. The USPS will only accept cash, checks or money orders – credit cards are not accepted.

You must apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time; if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under 16; or if your currently-valid U.S. passport has been lost of stolen.

Both parents must be present for a minor to obtain a passport unless the minor has a notarized written consent from the unavailable parent.  If no ID is available, both parents can vouch for the minor’s identity (Form DS 3053 - The Statement of Consent or Special Circumstances is available from the Department of State website).

The US Postal Service will take your passport photographs right at the All-Canada Show.  The fee for this service is $15.

For further information on obtaining a passport, accessing forms or finding a list of places that accept passport applications, go to the US Department of State website at: http://travel.state.gov/passport For passports for children under 14 years of age go to: http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html

To find out more information on obtaining a birth certificate go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm