New WHTI Passport Restrictions for Travelers
Americans, Canadians Required to Show Passport When Entering U.S.
As international travel becomes increasingly necessary to conduct business, the rules are constantly changing. As of June 1, 2009, many international business travelers will need to carry additional identification as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) goes into effect. The Initiative affects land and sea travels to and from the United States, such as business travelers driving to Detroit from Windsor by way of the Ambassador Bridge or the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel; the WHTI that went into effect on January 23, 2007, pertained to air travel.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires American and Canadian travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the United States.
What Does the WHTI Mean for American Travelers?
Previously, Americans returning from many Western Hemisphere destinations by car or boat needed to only show a valid driver's license. Beginning on June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, whether by land or by sea, will be required to present one of the travel documents:
- A valid U.S. passport.
- A U.S. passport card.
- An enhanced driver's license. Several U.S. states that border Canada, as well as many Canadian provinces, are issuing EDLs, which are specifically designed for use in travel across borders.
- Trusted Traveler Program cards, such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST/Expres enrollment cards. These cards are issued to pre-approved, low-risk travelers, and can be used for land or sea travel.
What Does the WHTI Mean for Canadian Travelers?
Canadian citizens traveling to the U.S. by land or by sea must carry with them one of the following travel documents.
- A Canadian passport.
- An enhanced driver's license or enhanced I.D. Card. Several states in the United States and some provinces in Canada have started to issue these forms of identification, which can be used to cross into the United States by land or by sea.
- Trusted Traveler Program cards, such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST/Express enrollment cards. These cards are issued to pre-approved, low-risk travelers and can be used for land or sea travel.
What Does the WHTI Mean for Mexican Travelers?
Mexican citizens are not affected by the WHTI; all Mexican nationals, including children, are already required to show a passport with a non-immigrant visa or a laser visa Border Crossing Card in order to cross into the United States.
How Do I Obtain the Proper American Citizenship or Passport Documentation?
U.S. passports and passport cards are issued by the U.S. Department of State and can be applied for and obtained at U.S. post offices and passport centers. For information or to print out application forms, phone (877) 4-USA-PPT or visit the National Passport Information Center Web site.
Enhanced driver's licenses are being issued in Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington, and are not valid for international air travel. To obtain an enhanced driver's license, contact your local Secretary of State or Driver's License Center.
How Did the WHTI Come About?
The WHTI is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA). The WHTI's purpose is to facilitate entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors as well as to strengthen U.S. border security. By requiring standard documentation for travelers crossing borders, the Department of Homeland Security will be able to quickly and reliably identify a traveler, thus speeding up the process of travel.
How Do I Obtain More Information About the WHTI?
To learn more about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), visit the WHTI Web site.
Source: CPB/Department of Homeland Security
A U.S. Passport is Required for Travel
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