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Information for Travelers

Consular Affairs Press Guidance

February 1, 2008

Passports: Updated Rules

  • On November 19, the Department published in the Federal Register new rules updating existing passport regulations to conform to current practices.
  • These new regulations go into effect on February 1, 2008.
  • The new rules reflect several improvements in how the Department will process passports for Americans:
    • To help address the issue of abducted and runaway children, the new regulations extend the two-parent consent and personal appearance requirements to minors under the age of 16, up from age 14.
    • The new rules add state or local felony arrest warrants to federal felony warrants as a basis for denial, revocation, and restriction of passports.
    • The new rules codify the definitions, responsibilities, and qualifications of passport agents and passport acceptance agents, including the requirement that passport agents be U.S. citizens.
    • The rules clarify what documentation is required of an applicant whose name has changed and to reflect more accurately Department practice in this regard. 

AND WHILE WE’RE ON THE SUBJECT OF PASSPORTS

As soon as the summer of 2008, Americans crossing land and sea borders with Mexico and Canada will need to present a passport or other approved document in order to enter the U.S. Now is the best time to apply for your U.S. passport since demand is traditionally lower during this time of year. More information on applying for a passport is available at http://travel.state.gov.

Background: Rules published at 72 Federal Register 64930 (November 19, 2007) and to be codified at 22 CFR Part 51.

Passport Services In Cameroon

The American Embassy in Yaounde provides services to American Citizens needing a new passport, a renewal of a current passport, pages added to an existing passport, names changes in a passport, or a replacement of a lost or stolen passport.
Except in emergencies, U.S. passports are produced at facilities in the United States.
Passport processing time and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
With the 2007 implementation of the first phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, more Americans than ever before need to apply for a passport.  Due to the heavy demand for U.S. passports please allow for two to three weeks for processing.
Tips for a smooth Consular Visit.