The Passport Guide

Congress adopted new requirements in 2007 that made it mandatory for all U.S. citizens who fly internationally to carry a passport. Here's what you need to know.

February 4, 2009 at 9:43PM
A US government official with the State Department's Passport Services enters a new "electronic passport" with an embedded small integrated chip into a reader for processing personal data and the photograph of an applicant.
A US government official with the State Department's Passport Services enters a new "electronic passport" with an embedded small integrated chip into a reader for processing personal data and the photograph of an applicant. (Troy Melhus — AFP/Getty Images/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Congress adopted new requirements in 2007 that made it mandatory for all U.S. citizens who fly internationally to carry a passport. Starting in June 2009, you'll also need official proof of identity --either a traditional passport book or a newly created passport card -- to travel across borders by car or boat. Here's our user-friendly guide to everything you need to know about getting the right identification for your next trip abroad.

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