The U.S. State Department has announced a delay -- but just a minor one -- in implementing its passport requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to the Caribbean.

As of Jan. 23, 2007, every U.S. traveler to non-U.S. territories in the region must carry a valid passport if they want to reenter the U.S. So, as my Caribbean Passport Requirements article explains, you'll need a passport for every member of your family (even infants!) for travel to any destination other than Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

If you're taking a Caribbean trip in late January or early February, the time to apply for a new passport (or renew your old one if it's about to expire or has expired) is NOW!

With normal processing, and assuming no problems, the turnaround time for a new or renewed passport is about six weeks (expedited service, which costs more, can get a passport in your hands in about two weeks). But with the inevitable holiday delays, there's no point in taking the chance of a vacation ruined by lack of proper travel documentation. Don't expect any mercy at U.S. Customs, either, if you don't have a passport in hand come Jan. 23 -- it's not going to happen in the current immigration and security environment!