The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced June 8, 2007 that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can nevertheless temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through Sept. 30, 2007.
The text of the announcement is available at:  http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
Frequently Asked Questions for Americans with pending passport applications are available at: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3254.html

OBTAINING PROOF OF PASSPORT APPLICATION:
If Americans who applied for a passport are traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda only, and they have not yet received their passports, they may be able to travel under the temporary flexible guidelines described in this new announcement.  They need to:

• Go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.
• Follow the instructions to provide the requested information. 
• Print out this confirmation document; it will serve as official proof of a pending passport application.

Remember:
Applicants will need to present this proof of application to:

• Airline representatives when entering and departing the United States; and
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers when re-entering the United States.

Citizens over age 16 must also carry a government-issued photo identification card, such as a driver’s license or military i.d.
Travelers must still meet the entry requirements of the country they are visiting.  Americans traveling to a country that requires visitors to have a passport must obtain their passport.  Information on international entry requirements is available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html#a.

TIPS FOR NEW PASSPORT APPLICANTS

• It currently takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks to process, issue, and deliver passports.
• If you may need to travel within that twelve week timeframe, you should consider requesting Expedited Passport Service.  If you choose Expedited Service, please be sure to enclose the required fees and write "EXPEDITED" on the outside of the envelope.
• Include in your application the dates and destinations for anticipated travel.
• Fully complete the application and check it for accuracy before signing in the presence of the Passport Acceptance Agent.