NEW TRAVEL RULES
On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home by land or sea from Canada, Mexico,
the Caribbean region or Bermuda are required to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Before these new rules went into effect, U.S. citizens only needed to show proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.
AIR TRAVEL
As of January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens returning from Canada, Mexico, the
Caribbean region or Bermuda, by air, are required to present a passport
to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
Now, as of June 1, 2009, the full requirements of the "Western Hemisphere
Travel Initiative" regarding land and sea travel are being implemented.
U.S. citizens entering the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the
Caribbean region or Bermuda will be required to present one of the following
travel documents:
- U.S. Passport
This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies
a person's identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air,
land and sea.
- U.S. Passport Card
This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet
and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by
land and sea.
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
Several states are issuing this driver’s license or identification
document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed
for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea.
- Trusted Traveler Program Cards
NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into
the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The
cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used at
airports with a NEXUS kiosk.
Document Rules for Special Groups:
- Children
U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present
the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S.
citizenship such as a naturalization card or citizenship card.
- Groups of Children
Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling
with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team,
will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies
of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.
- "Closed Loop" Cruises
Travelers in cruises that depart from a U.S. port, sail only within
the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same port do not have to comply
with the new rules.
- Other Special Groups
Members of the military, members of the merchant marine, and Native
Americans can also use special forms of identification.
ABOUT THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INITIATIVE (WHTI)
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a result of the Intelligence Reform and
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to strengthen U.S. border security while
facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by
providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland
Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler. The initiative requires
all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity
and citizenship when entering the United States. The countries covered
by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative are Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean
region and Bermuda.
MORE INFORMATION
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