Washington -- U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) today reminded constituents that newly implemented regulations have caused lengthy delays for U.S. citizens seeking passports necessary for international travel.

“I urge people to apply now for a passport if they anticipate any international travel in the next several months,” Representative Cubin said.  “Summer is right around the corner, and that means people will be traveling.  Nobody wants to get left behind because their passport didn’t arrive.”

The U.S. Department of State, the agency charged with issuing passports, warns travelers that passport processing time has increased due to abnormally high volume.  Cubin warns her fellow Wyomingites that it can take months, not merely weeks, to obtain or renew a passport.

“Throughout the past several months, my office has successfully helped numerous constituents obtain passports in time to depart on international trips,” Cubin said.  “The State Department is clearly experiencing a concerning holdup in their efforts to process passports.  Even folks who pay extra money for an expedited passport are experiencing long delays.”  

Representative Cubin is urging would-be travelers to contact her if they are within two to three weeks of a scheduled international departure and have not yet received a passport.  Concerns should be directed to Cubin’s Casper office at (307) 261-6595.

New regulations require all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card.

“Stricter passport regulations are a critical part of keeping America’s borders secure and our communities safe,” Cubin said.  “But I don’t want agency backlogs to prevent our citizens from enjoying international trips.  I urge people to obtain their passports sooner rather than later.”

Previous requirements stipulated that reentering the U.S. required only a driver's license or another form of state or national ID, but due to security concerns every person entering the United States must now provide a valid U.S. passport.

For more information about obtaining a new or renewed U.S. passport, contact the U.S. Department of State at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.