Prairie Public Broadcasting

Changes In Passport Requirements CHICAGO, IL (Chicago Public Radio) - There are big changes ahead for travelers planning trips to neighboring countries.

Starting Tuesday, the U.S. Department of State will require valid passports for air travel to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

Chicago travel agent Heidi Schumann says her agency's customers haven't raised objections to the new rule.

"From what I can see, it's gone smoothly. It seems that the Chicago Passport Agency is, you know, doing their best to accommodate all the people. All the people that I've taken for passports have gotten their passports--no problem," says Schumann.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State says it prepared itself for a rush of passport seekers and hired extra staff.

Starting in 2008, land and sea travelers will also need passports.

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