News Updates
Changes Regarding Documentary Requirements for Entry to the United States via Land Borders and Seaports for U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents Effective January 31, 2008
Effective January 31, 2008, important changes go into effect regarding documentary requirements for entry to the United States via land borders and seaports. They are applicable ONLY to U.S. and Canadian citizens.
1. Effective January 31, 2008, US and Canadian citizens may no longer enter the U.S. at the land borders and seaports by simply stating they are a U.S. or Canadian citizen. Identity and citizenship documents will be required.
2. Effective January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizen children ages 18 and under will be expected to present a birth certificate issued by a federal, state, provincial, county or municipal authority. However, an identity document (photo ID) will not be required for children under 18.
3. For Travelers Other than U.S. and Canadian Citizens -- All existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will remain in effect and will not be altered by the changes that are implemented on January 31, 2008.
Background:
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a document security program designed to meet the enhanced border security requirements of legislation passed in 2004 (The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act).
WHTI is being implemented in phases. On January 23, 2007, citizens of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda were required to present a passport or other WHTI-compliant document when traveling by air between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
Enforcement of WHTI at land and sea ports of entry has been post-poned to June 2009 due to the difficulty of implementation of the program without seriously impacting cross-border traffic and wait times. In the meantime, the interim measure for the land and seaports will take effect on January 31, 2008. Again, please note that this interim measure applies only to U.S. and Canadian citizens. It does not apply to any other nationality.
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