The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States.

This travel initiative is being implemented in two phases. The first phase will be for air travel, and the second for land/sea travel.

For Air Travel As of January 23, 2007, U.S. citizens and citizens of Canada, Mexico and Bermuda traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport to enter (or re-enter) the U.S.

For Land/Sea Travel On June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the U.S. will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. At a later date to be determined, the implementation of all WHTI requirements will be announced.

Flying to the United States?

You'll Need a Passport!

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), for entry into the United States at land or sea borders:

- 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, FAST, and SENTRI - 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. A passport has been required for air travel since January 23, 2007.

The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. Citizens and legitimate foreign visitors. [DHS press release] [CBP fact sheet]

Latest News & Documents

22 May 09
Comments by Terry A. Breese, U.S. Embassy Canada, Charge d’Affaires, a.i. regarding U.S. - Canada border issues
The border which lies between Canada and the United States is a priority to both countries, the intersection of billions of dollars of trade between the two countries. A recent survey conducted by Angus Reid shows that 77 per cent of Canadians were satisfied with the amount of time they had to wait to go through immigration and/or customs at the border. However, our work is not done and there are efforts underway to improve infrastructure and services at the border. U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affairs, a.i. Terry Breese offers comments on the priorities facing both countries at the border and Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) changes, which take effect June 1, 2009. [more] [more on WHTI].

11 December 08
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Deadline Approaches
The Department of State recommends that travelers apply now for travel documents that will be required at all land or sea border entry points as of June 1, 2009. On that date, under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) U.S. citizens will be required to present a government-approved document that denotes both citizenship and identity when entering the United States. [more] .

16 September 08
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Launches WHTI Advertising Campaign in Canada
Washington — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection is launching a television and print advertising campaign in Canada today to remind the Canadian public about travel document requirements for entry into the U.S. that go into effect on June 1, 2009. [more].

22 July 08
Joint Announcement From The U.S. Departments Of State And Homeland Security On Passport Card Production
The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that the new U.S. Passport Card is in full production and is now being distributed. The Passport Card is a convenient, wallet-sized document for land and sea travel between the United States and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not valid for international travel by air.

Beginning in June 2009, travelers will be required to present a single Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document denoting both citizenship and identity when entering the United States through a land or sea border. [more]

WHTI: The Basics

Customs and Border Protection www.getyouhome.gov

Documents You Will Need to Enter the United States

Pictures of Documents That Travelers Will Need

Important Change in International Travel Requirements

Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004

27 March 08
Press Release: Homeland Security and State Departments Announce WHTI Land and Sea Final Rule - Full Implementation on June 1, 2009 [More] [FAQs].

31 January 08
Press Release: Important Change in International Land and Sea Travel Document Procedures [More]

17 January 08
Reminder to Travelers: New Land and Sea Border Crossing Procedures Start January 31, 2008 [Media Release].
Related:
- Important Change in International Land and Sea Travel Document Procedures
- What documents are needed?
- Why Is DHS Tightening Document Security at the Border?
- Why is DHS Eliminating Oral Declarations?
- FAQs

15 January 08
U.S. Passport Card: - Department Announces Award of Passport Card Contract. [More]
U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card beginning February 1, 2008, in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. [More]

3 December 07
Travelers Reminded of new Document Requirements Beginning January 31, 2008: Documents Proving Citizenship and Identity Will be Required When Entering The United States Through Land and Sea Ports of Entry. [DHS press release] [CBP fact sheet]

20 June 07
FAQ: WHTI Land & Sea Notice of Proposed Rulemaking . Department of Homeland Security.

20 June 07
Proposed rule . Documents Required for Travelers Departing From or Arriving in the United States at Sea and Land Ports-of-Entry from within the Western Hemisphere. Federal Register. Department of Homeland Security / Department of State.

20 June 07
DHS Advances Initiative to Strengthen Border Security and Facilitate Entry into the United States . WHTI Land and Sea Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Published.

20 June 2007
Fact Sheet: Strengthening Border Security and Facilitating Entry into the United States. Moving Toward WHTI Implementation for Cross-Border Travel by Land and Sea . Department of Homeland Security.

Visiting the U.S. for Foreign Nationals

International Travel for U.S. Citizens

Passports for U.S. Citizens

Click through to the archives for all older press releases, FAQs and fact sheets.

Comments & Complaints
Do you have a comment or complaint about Customs & Border Protection or Preflight Clearance at Canada-U.S. border crossings? Check here for how to resolve it.

Links

Bureau of Consular Affairs. Department of State.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection.