Western Hemisphere Passports Requirements Take Effect

Starting June 1, 2009, U.S., Canadian and Bermudian citizens who are entering the United States by land or sea from within the Western Hemisphere will be required to present a passport or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document (discussed below). Until June 1, 2009, travelers may continue to enter the U.S. by land and sea by presenting either a passport or a combination of a citizenship document and government-issued photo identification. The upcoming requirements are mandated under a final rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State on March 27, 2008.

WHTI compliant documents include: cards issued under DHS's prescreening programs for trusted travelers – including NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards; the new U.S. Passport Card for U.S. citizens; or a special Enhanced Driver's License, which contains additional security features. Enhanced Driver's Licenses are issued by U.S. states or Canadian provinces through a partnership with DHS. Currently, only Washington State is approved to issue an Enhanced Driver's License.

All travelers entering the United States by air from within the Western Hemisphere have been required to present a valid passport since January 23, 2007. Requirements for citizens of Mexico remain unchanged. These foreign nationals must present a passport and a valid visa or Form DSP-150 (the B-1/B-2 laser visa and border crossing card) when traveling by air, land, or sea. Trusted traveler cards are also accepted.