New travel requirements went into effect this year for United States citizens returning from any part of the Western Hemisphere, in an effort to harden border security. As of January 2007, the first phase requires all U.S. citizens, including children, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda, to present a valid passport in order to return to the United States. The second phase, which is expected to start before January 2008, requires ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and bermuda by land or sea (Including Ferries), to present a valis passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Through September 30, 2007 U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda, who have applied for, but not received, passports, can temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport, which can be obtained at http://travel.state.gov/passport. The WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) new accomadation referenced above is only applicable to those citizens who have applied for a passport. Those who do not have a passport, and who not applied for one, should not expect to be accommodated.
Allow ample time whenever you travel no matter whether by land or sea or air ! The National Passport Information Center can be reached at 877-487-2778
