A change in international travel regulations is leading to many Americans packing something new for their trip — a passport.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative now requires everyone traveling to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda to hold a valid passport if they are traveling by air. This will soon extend to all border crossings, air, land or sea.

The Meridian Main Post Office is sponsoring a Passport Fair on Saturday, May 10, from 8 a.m.-noon, to provide extra access to both the processing of passport applications and the photos.

“We can take care of all your passport needs,” said Meridian Postmaster Burl Johnson. “Since normal turnaround is six weeks, and we’re in the peak of the season, it’s important to come on in and get this taken care of if you have any future travel requiring a passport.”

Passport services are provided at the Meridian Main Post Office Monday through Friday, during the hours of 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Johnson said on-site service is provided for parties of 15 or more.

“If you have a group that size needing passports, just give us a call and we’ll come to you,” johnson said.

For more information on passport services, including fees, call the Meridian Main Post Office at (601) 693-2581.



— Special to The Star