Things to know about passports before the holiday travel season

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According to the U.S. Department of State, all international fliers must have a passport - even if the flight is from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean - in order to enter or re-enter the United States.

By the end of January 2008, U.S. and Canadian travelers will need to have either a passport or a government issued photo ID (such as a driver's license and proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate).

They are developing a document called a Passport Card, which is described as a "limited-use, wallet size" document that will "only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean region (includes Bermuda)." That includes cruises. For now, you're safe without a passport.

It is strongly recommended that all travelers get a passport. It can take a while (usually two to three weeks), and the biggest pain is getting all the documents needed. Here's what you need to do: go to a passport center. They will give you an application. You can also download the form online.

You need to prove your citizenship with either a previous passport, an original birth certificate (not an abstract or shortened version). You must also present proof of identity, such as a driver's license. A social security card will not prove your identity. You will also need to provide two passport photos and pay for a fee.

It sounds like a lot, but having a passport is well worth the trouble, especially since you'll need it if you're going to even Canada or Mexico.