Travelers Reminded of New Document Requirements Beginning January 31, 2008.

Documents Proving Citizenship, Identity Will be Required when Entering U.S. Through Land and Sea Ports.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) remind the traveling public that as of Jan. 31, 2008, all adult travelers will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry. DHS will be issuing a notice in the Federal Register formally announcing the change.

This change is a necessary step to prepare travelers and ease the transition to the future requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). WHTI proposes to establish documentation requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda. As recommended by the 9/11 Commission, Congress enacted WHTI in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. WHTI will result in both enhanced security and increased facilitation across the border once implemented. During this transition, DHS and the Department of State are working diligently to minimize the impact on legitimate trade and travel.

Currently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may accept oral declarations of citizenship from U.S. and Canadian citizens seeking entry into the United States through a land or sea border. However, as of January 31, 2008:

• Oral declarations of citizenship alone will no longer be accepted
• U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate
• Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate
• Passports and trusted traveler program cards - NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST - will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel

All existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will remain in effect and will not be altered by this change.

DOS reminds the public that the current turnaround time for a passport is four to six weeks, so Americans planning international travel may wish to apply now. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport visit the U.S. Department of State Website or call 1-877-487-2778. ( U.S. Department of State ) Specific documentation requirements for land, sea and air travel may be found at Ready, Set... Go!. ( Ready, Set... Go! ) To learn more about NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, visit Trusted Traveler Programs. ( Trusted Traveler Programs )

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS

Apply for one or both, it’s your choice

Standard Passport Booklet

Valid for travel by air, sea or land.

Validity:

• 10 years for adults
• 5 years for minors
• Size: 5” x 3 ½” (when unopened)
• Cost for first time applicants
  • $100 for adults
  • $85 for minors

New Passport Card

Not for travel by air. Valid for land and sea

crossings between the U.S. and Canada,

Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean only.

Validity:

• 10 years for adults
• 5 years for minors
• Size: Wallet size
• Cost for first time applicants
  • $45 for adults
  • $35 for minors
• Cost for U.S. Passport book holders
  • $20 for adults

Back to top