In response to terrorist activities, U.S. border security is being further upgraded in 2008 through the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Effective January 31, 2008, if you are boating in waters outside the U.S., you'll need proof of identity and citizenship to cross back into the United States.

Valid single travel documents include a U.S. passport; a trusted traveler card such as SENTRI, NEXUS, or FAST; a U.S. Coast Guard Mariner Document when traveling on official maritime business; a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders; or a Passport Card (note yet available)–any of which are probably the safest bet for hassle-free re-entry. Alternatively, you can still present a combination of identification documents: a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. birth certificate. However, the days for this latter alternative are numbered, and re-entry delay with this type of documentation would not be an unexpected outcome.

The passport application process is lengthier than it was just a few years ago due to expanded requirements, such as the January 2007 requirement that all air passengers re-entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean must produce a passport. So don't expect a quick turnaround on your application. Plan ahead, allowing four to six weeks for delivery. For an additional fee, service can be expedited to three weeks.

Passport application fees are $97 for those 16 and older and $80 for children under the age of 16. Expedited processing adds $60 to each application. Apply at any of the 9,000 places that accept passport applications.

For further information on passport acquisition and U.S. travel regulations, visit the U.S. Department of State website.

-Linda Hoff