Summit County Clerk of Courts Dan Horrigan is reminding people that the next phase of a border security initiative takes effect in 2008 when passports will be required to enter the U.S. by vehicle. So far, the upgraded passport requirement was only needed by travelers who flew to the U.S.

Horrigan says he doesn't anticipate the same kind of surge that caused long processing delays earlier this year when people traveling home from Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean islands or Canada needed passports for the first time.

"The surge in passports, especially in 2007, they kind of caused a backlog but they are back to a normal processing time of 4 - 6 weeks," said Horrigan.

 

 

Horrigan suggested using a seasonal Passport Check Holder for holiday gifts. Passports for adults are good for 10 years and cost $103. The cost is $88 for juveniles under age 16.