Beginning January 1, 2007 every U.S. citizen wishing to travel outside the United States will be required to have a valid U.S. passport.  Previously many travelers to neighboring Mexico and Canada were allowed to exit and re-enter the U.S. with valid photo identification and a certified copy of their birth certificate.  Those days are over December 31, 2006.

Chalk it up to changing times and world events but controlling our nation's borders and points of entry has become increasingly challenging and more and more important for our own safey and security.  So, if you are planning to warm yourself in the sun on the Mexican Riveria or ski at Whistler or Banff this winter you had better get your passport now to avoid the rush for them after the first of the year.  Visit the Department of State's website to find a location near you.

Get, or renew, your passport today so you can enjoy the ski in Canada or the beaches of Mexico this winter.

Today the Sacramento International Airport (SMF) the federal Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has declared Sacramento an official "port of entry" for international travel and business. Previously the airport was under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco CBP office. 

The recognition of Sacramento by the CBP is an important recognition of the growing importance of the city and region in the international business community.  The CBP provides essential and critically important Customs and Border Protection services to international air carriers who connect the region to the world via air travel and cargo shipments. 

This news is not only welcomed by the economic development community in the region but by travelers.  Within the next few weeks several airlines will announce international departures for destinations in Mexico and Canada thus making vacation travel more convenient, competitive and less expensive.  Good news for all.

The effort to create the Sacramento office of Customs and Border Protection was headed up by the Sacramento County Airport System, the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Sacramento Congressman Dan Lungren who was a key player, working with the Customs and Border Protection and guiding the legislation through the U.S. Congress that established the Sacramento office of the CBP.