U.S. Department of State Recommends that Travelers Apply Now for Documents Needed to Re-enter the U.S. Beginning on June 1, 2009

On December 11, 2008, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) put out a statement recommending that travelers apply now for documents needed to reenter the U.S. beginning on June 1, 2009, following the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).   

On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda will be required to present one of the following travel documents:

• U.S. Passport, which is internationally recognized, and is acceptable for travel by land, sea and air
• U.S. Passport Card, which is a limited use travel document that is acceptable for travel by land and sea.  It is not acceptable for travel by air
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), which is a limited use travel document, being issued by several U.S. states and Canadian provinces.  It is acceptable for travel by land and sea.  It is not acceptable for travel by air
• Trusted Traveler Program Cards, which are issued to pre-approved, low-risk travelers who frequently cross the U.S. / Canadian border (NEXUS card), or U.S. / Mexican border (SENTRI card).  The cards are valid for use for land and sea crossings.  The NEXUS card is also valid at a  limited number participating airports, but not all airports 

According to the WHTI, Canadian citizens will be able to enter the U.S. using a Canadian passport, EDL or the NEXUS card.  Citizens of Mexico are not affected by the WHTI, and will continue to have to present a passport and visa, or a laser visa Border Crossing Card to enter the U.S.  This requirement applies to SENTRI participants as well.  

For more information on the above-listed documents, and links to apply, visit the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative website.