In 2004, Congress decided to change procedures in border security that had allowed Americans to present various types of identification, such as driver's licenses, birth certificates or sometimes nothing, when re-entering the U.S. from certain neighbor countries. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of this initiative. All U.S. residents will need passports for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
A new wallet-size passport card is now available. Approximately the size of a credit card, the passport card is a convenient and less expensive than the passport book. However, the U.S. Passport Card cannot be used for international air travel. This new travel document can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. A passport book is required for all air travel. See http://travel.state.gov/passport for details.
If you're traveling outside the U.S. this year, here is a bit of advice:
- Renew your passport now...These new policy changes will increase passport demand and wait times.
- Think twice before planning a car trip to Mexico or Canada...A passport is will be required on June 1, 2009. It could be a long and painful process to be turned away at the border.
- Protect yourself from identity theft...it is important to report a lost passport immediately, especially when traveling internationally! If your passport is lost or stolen in a foreign country, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you have access to an Internet connected computer please visit the U.S. Department of State website for details. By keeping a copy of your passport in a virtual vault, you can download or print a copy of your passport enabling you to quickly get a replacement. See http://travel.state.gov/passport/lost.html for details.
James Bell
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