A few days before the start of new U.S. border crossing regulations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued notices assuring U.S. and Canadian citizens that, if otherwise admissible, they will be able to re-enter the United States without passports after the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is implemented for land and sea travel.
Before the implementation of WHTI on June 1, 2009, the public was informed that all U.S. and Canadian citizens who are 16 and older traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea would be required to present a valid passport or other alternative documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security upon entry to the United States.
However, citizens will apparently be given a little more time before the requirement is enforced. CBP Acting Commissioner Jayson P. Ahern stresses that the CBP mission is to protect America’s borders. He said the WHTI puts a key 9/11 Commission recommendation into practice—the need for secure travel documents. However, he added, “We will be practical and flexible in implementing WHTI using the same informed compliance approach that proved successful during other major changes at our borders over the last two years.”
U.S. and Canadian citizens who lack WHTI-compliant documents are encouraged to continue with their travel plans and to obtain WHTI travel documents as soon as possible to expedite future border crossings. Customs officers will have “enforcement discretion” when people do not have a passport or another similar document. U.S. citizens who do not have a passport will not be denied entry, but may be subject to further scrutiny to verify citizenship.
If a citizen has applied for a passport or passport card but has not received the document, he or she may show the receipt, along with other documents, such as a driver’s license, to enter the country.
WHTI documents include a U.S. or Canadian Passport; Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST/EXPRES); U.S. Passport Card; and/or state or provincial Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (when and where available).
U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean need only present proof of citizenship, such as an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.
Document requirements for lawful permanent residents of the United States do not change under WHTI; lawful permanent residents should continue to present their Permanent Resident Card (I-551) when entering the United States. A passport is not required.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is the joint Department of Homeland Security – Department of State program. It was set in motion by a 2004 Congressional mandate to establish document requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the United States, Canada and Bermuda. WHTI document requirements for air travel went into effect in 2007.
For more information, visit www.GetYouHome.gov.
Leave a Reply