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U.S. regulations require a passport for air travel to nearby countries such as Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and nations of the Caribbean. Travelzoo's Newsdesk provides some answers to frequently asked questions about what you need to know.

What's changing?

All U.S. citizens traveling outside the United States by air now must have a valid U.S. passport.

For travel by land or sea, U.S. citizens must have a passport or both a government-issued photo idea, such as a driver’s license, and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Beginning on June 1, 2009, a passport will be required for all travel outside the United States, by air, land or sea.

Will children or infants need passports?

Yes, there is no minimum age.

How long does it take for a passport application to be processed? What if I have urgent travel plans and have no passport?

On average, the application process takes about 4-6 weeks, but because of the backlog it can take as long as 3 months. There are ways to expedite this at additional cost.

Are there better times to apply to make the process faster?

Approximately 70 million U.S. citizens hold passports, which means a lot of your neighbors do not. You can beat them to the punch by applying between August and December, traditionally a slower period for new applications.

How much do passports cost?

Fees are $100 for people age 16 and over; $85 for those under age 16. For expedited service, it will cost an additional $60 plus express shipping charges. You can pay by credit or debit card as well as personal check. Note: It's a bad idea to bounce a check to the federal government.

Can I apply for a passport online?

New passport applications must be completed in person at a facility handling passport applications. Many - but not all - Post Offices can process passport applications. Renewals can often be done by mail, see the U.S. Department of State Web site for details.

There are third-party passport services online, but here you sign an affidavit allowing them to handle the paperwork for you. You will still have to appear in person at a passport acceptance agency to sign the forms. Fees for these companies can range from $60 to off the charts in addition to the government fees.

What kind of photo do I need?

Applicants must submit 2 color photos, 2 inches x 2 inches of your head looking directly at the camera with a plain background. In other words, no glamour shots. Many commercial copy centers, such as Kinko's, are set up to take and print passport photos.

Which government agency should I turn to for more information?

The U.S. Department of State. Visit their passport Web site for more information.