The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (or WHTI) requires all travelers to show a valid passport when traveling to the United States from areas within the Western Hemisphere.[1] The purpose, according to the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for both legitimate U.S. citizens and foreign visitors. The initiative is an outcome of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act.
Implementation
Implementation
Since January 23, 2007, all persons (including U.S. citizens) traveling by air to the United States from all foreign countries (including Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda) have been required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
On January 31, 2008, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped taking verbal declarations of citizenship from U.S., Canadian, or Bermudian travelers as proof of citizenship at sea and land ports of entry.[2]
On March 27, 2008, the departments of Homeland Security and State announced in a final rule that "full implementation" of the land and sea provisions of WHTI would begin June 1, 2009; on that date, the following types of documents will become the only acceptable documents for border crossings:[3]
U.S. citizens and nationals: Valid passport, passport card, state enhanced driver's license approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security, or trusted traveler program card (NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI); a valid Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. military identification card when traveling on official orders. The final rule also outlines ongoing efforts to provide other alternative documents.
U.S. lawful permanent residents: Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).
Canadian citizens: A valid passport, provincial enhanced driver's license (currently being tested in British Columbia[4][5], and passing through legislation in Ontario[6]), or a valid trusted traveler program card (FAST or NEXUS).
Bermudian citizens: A valid passport.
Mexican nationals: A valid passport and a visa or a valid Form DSP-150, B-1/B-2 laser visa (also called a Border Crossing Card, or BCC); a valid SENTRI card may be used for access to expedited border crossing lanes.
Native Americans in the United States, Mexico, and Canada may be able to use certain additional forms of identification (in addition to the documents valid for citizens of those countries):
Members of the Kickapoo Band of Texas and Tribe of Oklahoma will continue to be able to use the I-872 American Indian Card (provided that it identifies them as Kickapoo), regardless of U.S. or Mexican citizenship.
Members of other U.S. tribes may use an "Enhanced Tribal Card", when available and approved by DHS.
Members of Canadian tribes may be allowed to use the proposed Secure Certificate of Indian Status being designed by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, if approved by DHS.[7]
In addition to the other documents designated under WHTI, U.S. citizens on round-trip cruise ship voyages that begin and end at the same port of entry in the United States may also carry a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization. Foreign nationals need a WHTI-designated document to travel to the United States on a cruise ship.