On Tuesday (December 11, 2007) the Border Trade Alliance (BTA) held a Regional Event in Nogales, Arizona on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), the forthcoming secure traveler program for cross-border travel. The one-day event highlighted upcoming changes for travel to Canada and Mexico for U.S. citizens, including the new proof of citizenship requirement as of January 31, 2008.
The pending changes as a result of WHTI bring questions, concerns and often, confusion. Throw in the mix the development of new identification documents such as the lower-cost passport alternative or PASS Card and the creation of enhanced driver’s licenses and it is no wonder why citizens who cross our borders on a regular basis or people who are contemplating a visit to Canada or Mexico are confused.
Recent media coverage has focused on the ultimate change, the requirement for U.S. citizens to present a U.S. Passport when traveling back into the United States from Canada or Mexico at land border crossings. While this certainly will become the case once a deadline is established by the Departments of State (DOS) and Homeland Security (DHS), until that date is announced U.S. citizens are not currently required to present a passport when traveling back into the U.S. by land or sea.
However, the current practice of giving an oral declaration of citizenship is about to end. On January 31, 2008, U.S. citizens without a Passport will be required to present two forms of government identification (drivers license, NEXUS card) including proof of citizenship (birth certificate).
The BTA has advocated for the development of the PASS Card and we support the efforts of states that have chosen to pursue the EDL concept. However these documents, which will be acceptable alternatives to a Passport for travel by land and sea (not air), are not currently available and may not be for sometime. And while Congress has given DHS and DOS until June 2009 to make WHTI at land and sea ports a reality, both federal agencies have publicly stated their collective intention to implement the new security program sometime next summer.
Therefore, if you can afford it, the best course of action is to apply for a Passport. Meanwhile, the BTA will be working to ensure that the lower-cost PASS Card will be made available prior to the yet-to-be announced deadline for WHTI and we’ll also work to make certain that the federal government follows through on its part to be prepared for the biggest change in cross-border travel to-date.
For more information on WHTI visit the FAQs and overview sections of the Departments of State or Homeland Security’s websites on the subject.
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