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U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionALL PERSONS traveling by land and sea outside of the United States are required to present a passport book/card, or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States.
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website:
Effective June 1, 2009, all U.S. citizens are now required to present a passport book, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document when entering the United States. Please Note: Children under age 16 will be able to continue crossing land and sea borders using only a U.S. birth certificate (or other form of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate.). The original birth certificate or a copy may be used. See the Department of Homeland Security's Ready, Set.. Go! for more information on the changing travel requirements.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.
U.S. Passport and WHTI Compliant Documents
One of the following documents should be presented to prove both identity and citizenship.
Acceptable Documents as of January 31, 2008
U.S. and Canadian Citizens - Two Document Option U.S. and Canadian Citizens - Two Document Optio
Identification Documents*
* All identification documents must have a photo, name, and date of birth.
Citizenship Documents
U. S. and Canadian Citizens - Procedures for Children
Effective January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizen children age 18 and under will be expected to present a birth certificate issued by a federal, state, provincial, county, or municipal authority.
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. U U. S. Lawful Permanent Citizens Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or other valid evidence of lawful permanent residence is required.
Mexican Citizens Mexican Citizens iMexican citizens, including children, must present a valid passport and B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa or a Border Crossing Card.
Know Your Destination Country Document Requirements Country Document RequirementsIt is strongly recommended that all travelers leaving the U.S. verify the specific documentary requirements for their destination country. This information is available through travel.state.gov, or by consulting with the Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine what documents art needed to meet the entry requirements of that country. These Requirements could include a birth certificate, passport, or passport and visa for entry into that country.
We are implementing new procedures to better serve you and enhance the security of the United States. Travelers who do not present one of the documents listed on the front may be delayed as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify their citizenship and identity.
Thank you for your cooperation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin the transition to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative secure document requirement over the next 18 months, with implementation as early as June 1, 2009.
Please be sure to visit cbp.gov for updates on travel documents and details as to when new requirements will go into effect.
Passport Information
There has been much confusion in the media regarding passport legislation. Here are the facts. As of February 1, 2008, any adult age 19 and over will be required to present a vaild government issued photo ID and a copy of their birth certificate to reenter the United States. Children ages 18 and under will need only a copy of their birth certificate. Beginning June 1, 2009, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin enforcing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), legislation passed by Congress. This mandates that anyone crossing the border into the United States must have proof of citizenship. The passport is currently the only document that satisfies this requirement. Passports are granted by the U.S. State Department. For details on obtaining a passport, visit their website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. For a list of passport acceptance facilities in your area , visit http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. Download an application for a passport here. http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html. Follow the instructions on the page and consult with the above link for additional instructions. Photos for passports can be obtained at selected USPS locations, AAA offices and many major drug store chains. Fees for passports Age 19 and older: $97 Under age 19: $82
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