January 12, 2009

New Document Requirements for U.S. and Canadian Travelers

On January 5, 2009, the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reminded U.S. and Canadian citizens of the upcoming change in travel document requirements at the land border, and recommended that travelers prepare now by obtaining the appropriate documents as soon as possible. The new requirements are designed to make entering the U.S. more efficient and secure.

On June 1, 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will go into effect at land and sea ports of entry, requiring travelers – including U.S. and Canadian citizens – to present an approved travel document to enter the United States. The approved documents include a passport, a passport card, a NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST trusted traveler program card, or a state- or province-issued enhanced driver’s license. Travelers under age 16 need to present only a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship.

NEXUS is a joint CBP-Canada Border Services Agency program that both governments
implemented to enhance border security while simplifying the entry process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. SENTRI is a land-border crossing program that provides expedited CBP processing for preapproved, low-risk travelers along the U.S./Mexico border, and has grown to include 16 lanes at the nine largest ports of entry. FAST, the Free and Secure Trade program, is available to commercial drivers crossing both the northern and southern borders. WHTI is the joint DHS-Department of State plan that implements a 9/11 Commission recommendation and Congressional mandate to establish document requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda.

Travelers who have not obtained WHTI-compliant documents, must present two documents, such as a driver’s license and birth certificate. They will be acceptable until June 1, 2009. Travelers without appropriate travel documents may face delays as CBP officers attempt to verify identity and citizenship.

WHTI-compliant documents include:

• U.S. or Canadian passports;
• Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST);
• U.S. Passport Card;
• State- or province-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (when and where available);
• Form I-872 American Indian Card, or (when available) enhanced tribal cards;
• Military identification cards presented by members of the U.S. armed forces traveling on
• official orders; and
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (for U.S. citizens, when conducting official maritime
• business).

Both today and after June 1, lawful permanent residents of the United States should present
acceptable evidence of their lawful residence status when entering the country, such as a
Permanent Resident Card (I-551). A passport is not required.