It’s been talked about for a while and after several delays, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) for land and sea travel takes effect on June 1, 2009. The air portion of the WHTI has been in affect for almost two years for travelers crossing American borders.
This means travelers from North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) will need new documentation when crossing borders that formerly only needed a driver’s license or birth certificate.
For Canadian Citizens Entering the USA
As of June 1, 2009, all Canadian citizens traveling to the United States by land or sea will need one of the following documents:
- Canadian Passport – The most widely used form of international travel documentation, this covers border crossings by air, as well
- Enhanced Driver’s License or Identification Card – An option for those who do their border crossings mainly by automobile or boat (ferries, etc.). Canadian provinces have these available for citizens to denote they are WHTI-compliant for cross-border travel.
For United States Citizens Returning to the USA
As of June 1, 2009, all American citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea will need one of the following documents:
- U.S. Passport – The best and most widely used form of documentation, this covers air travel, as well. It is the most expensive, but it is the one most American travelers should consider since it covers all international travel.
- U.S. Passport Card – Similar to a passport, this is a single I.D. card that only covers land or sea travel. It fits in your wallet like a driver’s license and costs less than a passport, making it ideal for those who only plan to cross the border via automobile or ferry/cruise ship. It is more restrictive, though, so take into account how often travel plans include flying cross-border.
- Enhanced Driver’s License – Issued by some states on the Canadian and Mexican borders, this option is mainly beneficial for those who drive over the border often for reasons such as work. It contains a RFID-chip that can be scanned similar to a passport but due to its limited functionality, it's really best to invest in a regular passport or passport card.
- Trusted Traveler Programs – Known by names like Nexus, FAST/Expres and SENTRI, these cards are issued to pre-approved users who travel frequently and pay to be pre-screened.
For Mexican Citizens
The rules remain unchanged for border crossing in the United States. All Mexican citizens are required to present a valid passport with a non-immigrant visa to enter the country.
For More Information
For more information on the new rules and regulations taking affect on June 1, 2009, including how to apply for the appropriate documentation, the Department of Homeland Security offers a wealth of information for travelers.
Michelle Snow - Michelle Snow been a freelance journalist and photographer for over twenty years, specializing in travel and entertainment. She got her ...
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