(01/23/07) NEWARK ? Many travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport dealt with new passport rules Tuesday morning, but not many seemed to mind.

The new rules dictate all people traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport. Air NEXUS cards, U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Documents or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, can also be used. Old guidelines allowed residents to come back with other forms of identification, such as a birth certificate or driver?s license. Now, everyone must have a passport, including young children. The new rules do not apply to the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Although the change is a bit more work for some, many people don?t seem to mind. They say the post-9/11 security boost will keep everyone safer in the long run. Those planning to travel should think ahead, as processing for a passport typically takes about three weeks. Regulations that go into effect January 1, 2008 state people traveling by land or sea, including ferries, may be required to present a valid passport or other documents when traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda.