While passports are not required now for travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, travel agents and cruise lines are “strongly urging” travelers to get them as quickly as possible.

The U.S. Department of State says Homeland Security will begin requiring passports as early as June 1, 2009. That is the revised date for a mandatory U.S. passport or one of the new wallet-sized passport cards. The passport books are good for anywhere outside the U.S. The passport cards will be good for land and sea travel to Canada and Mexico.

Some cruise lines are requiring passports and some are not at this point, but they all strongly suggest a passport. To apply for a passport, travelers will need an original or a certified copy of their birth certificate, a drivers’ license, two passport photos and a method of payment. A check or money order has to be sent to the U.S Department of State.

Cost for an adult passport with photo will be $115. This includes the cost of the photo which can be taken at the West Salem Post Office. For those younger than 16, the cost will be $100 and additional information is required.

It will take four to six week to process your passport application. If travelers need a passport sooner, the application can be expidited for an additional fee.

The West Salem Post Office accepts passport applications Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., but will adjust these times to meet the needs of customers. For more information, call the post office at 786-1710.