New Border Document Requirements in Effect June 1
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a reminder to U.S. and Canadian citizens that new document requirements took effect on June 1, 2009, for entry into the U.S. at land or sea ports under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). CBP said it is committed to working with travelers to ensure that they have access to, and can obtain, appropriate travel documents. Those who lack WHTI-compliant documents but are otherwise admissible “will not be denied entry into the United States on June 1, and are encouraged to continue with their travel plans and to obtain facilitative and secure WHTI travel documents as soon as possible,” CBP said.
WHTI-compliant documents include:
- U.S. or Canadian passports
- Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST/EXPRES);
- U.S. Passport Cards
- State or province-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (when and where available)
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 copy of a birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card. Document requirements for permanent residents of the U.S. remain unchanged, and such persons should continue to present their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).
