On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement new requirements for traveling by land and sea in the Western Hemisphere.  Already in effect for international air travel, the new rules require all U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document. 

This is a general guide and does not include all the possible information about each WHTI-compliant document.  Click on the links for to learn more about each WHTI-compliant document.  For more information, visit the official WHTI website at www.getyouhome.gov.

Passport Books are the premier travel document proving the bearers’ identify and nationality.  Passport Books are the only travel document valid for international air travel.   You can apply for a Passport Book online or pick up an applicant form from the Embassy.  Passport Books cost $100 for adults.  Click here to see the full fee schedule for Passport Books and Passport Cards. 

These credit card size cards are valid for international travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.  Passport Cards are not valid for international air travel.

These are state issued IDs that prove identity and citizenship.  So far, four states issue enhanced drivers licenses: Michigan, New York, Washington, and Vermont.  EDL/ID typically cost more than traditional licenses and are issued through each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

Nexus Cards are for low-risk travelers who make frequent trips across the U.S./Canada border.  Nexus Cards are available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $50 and are valid for five years.

FAST Cards are for low-risk truck drivers who make frequent trips across the U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico borders.  FAST Cards are available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $50 and are valid for five years. 

U.S. citizen children under age 16 crossing a land border into the United States can present either: (I) an original or a certified copy of a birth certificate; (2) a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State; or (3) a Certificate of Naturalization issued by USCIS.

U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 19 who are traveling with school and religious groups, youth sport teams, or other youth organizations that arrive at U.S. sea or land ports-of entry from contiguous territory, such as Canada, are permitted to present either: (I) an original or a certified copy of a birth certificate; (2) a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State; or (3) a Certificate of Naturalization issued by USCIS or Canadian equivalent. Groups of children must be under the supervision of an adult affiliated with the organization (including a parent of one of the accompanied children who is only affiliated with the organization for purposes of a particular trip) and all the children must have parental or legal guardian consent to travel.