DHS REMINDS CITIZENS OF CANADA, BERMUDA, AND THE U.S. OF PASSPORT REQUIREMENT

 

U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued a reminder that the second phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) goes into effect June 1, 2009.  WHTI requires all citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or depart the United States from within the Western Hemisphere.  This travel initiative is being implemented in two phases.  The air travel requirements went into effect January 23, 2007, and now all travelers including children must present a passport or secure travel document when entering the United States by air.  The land/sea travel requirements, for those entering the U.S. by land or sea, are to be fully implemented on June 1, 2009.

Land and Sea Documents

 

The DHS notice states that, effective June 1, 2009, travelers will require one of the following documents:

 

U.S. citizens:
A passport issued by the U.S. Government, a passport card, a valid trusted traveler program card (FAST, NEXUS, or SENTRI), an enhanced driver’s license (EDL), a Military ID with official travel orders, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document.

Canadian citizens: A passport issued by the Government of Canada, a valid trusted traveler program card (FAST, NEXUS, or SENTRI), or an EDL.

U.S. and Canadian children under the age of 16 will be able to present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. See the CBP website for more information about children traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team.

Bermu dians: A passport issued by the Government of Bermuda or the United Kingdom.

Mexican citizens: Mexican citizens, including children, are currently required to present a passport with visa or a laser visa border crossing card, and therefore there is little to no expectation of change under these new requirements.

Special Audiences / Issues

Native Americans. The Indian and North Affairs Canada Card and Tribal Enrollment Cards with a photo affixed to the card will be accepted until June 1, 2009. We expect that, in order to be designated as WHTI-compliant, many Native American tribes will have to enhance their tribal enrollment and identification cards. Members of the Kickapoo Band of Texas and Tribe of Oklahoma are permitted to present the Form I-872 American Indian Card in lieu of a passport, as they do currently.
 

Children. U.S. and Canadian children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificates, or other proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card. Groups of U.S. and Canadian children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a sc hool 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.

Lost Passport. For lost or stolen passports while traveling overseas, report it immediately to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You will need to fill out form DS-64, Statement regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport, visit www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778.

First Responders. WHTI does not prevent U.S. Customs and Border Protection  from continuing to allow first responders and patients having a medical emergency to enter the country using existing waiver and parole authorities to provide necessary expedited processing on a case-by-case basis for these individuals.

U.S. Territory Travelers. U.S. territories are considered a part of the United States. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the country and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealt h of the Northern Mariana Islands.

No Documents.  You will be delayed as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify your citizenship and identity.