In light of the January 2007 changes in travel requirements, Postmaster Pat Prisco is announcing that a special Passport Fair is being held at the Massapequa Main Post Office on Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for the general public. The Massapequa Post Office Passport Fair will feature additional personnel to accept passport applications to accommodate the increase in demand.

The Departments of State and Homeland Security recently announced that the requirement for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to present a passport to enter the United States when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere will begin on Jan. 23.

The Massapequa Postmaster explains that the United States Postal Service can accept first time passport applicants. With enhanced travel security, passports are the prime accepted identification for travelers. The United States Postal Service in conjunction with the Department of State affords customers this additional service at local post offices at a reasonable rate.

"Our customers are the reason we're in business, and providing them with an extra service like passports is an opportunity for the Postal Service to serve the needs of our community," says the Massapequa Postmaster.

Postmaster Prisco offers these helpful tips for applying for a passport:

• Fill out the passport application (DS11), before you come to the post office. You can download it from: http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/Passport/ds0011.pdf

• Bring proof of US citizenship with you and current photo identification.

• Massapequa postal officials can take the photographs.

• Have all your documentation with you.

All information on passport applications, procedures, and fees can be attained by contacting the Massapequa Post Office at 798-4044 during regular business hours or by going online 24/7 to www.usps.com. Click on the government links page; then click on get a passport.