GOING! COMING BACK?

02-18-2009

June 1, 2009 is coming.  That is the scheduled date by which U.S. citizens crossing U.S. land and sea borders must  have documents which comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) rules.  This means that U.S. citizens will be required to present a government-approved document, one which proves both citizenship and identity, when entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda.

The Department of State recommends that travelers apply for WHTI-compliant documents NOW.

Which documents are WHTI-compliant?

The U.S. Passport Book and the U.S. Passport Card are the premiere documents that denote both citizenship and identity. For a list of other government approved documents, please visit http://www.getyouhome.gov

The U.S. Passport Card is a wallet-sized document designed specifically to work with new systems being installed at land border crossings to help make inspections a breeze.  A Passport Card costs $45 for an adult and $35 for a child under the age of 16. When applied for by a previous passport holder, age 16 or older, who is eligible for renewal, the Passport Card costs $20.

The Passport Card is valid ONLY for entry to the United States at land border crossings and sea ports of entry when traveling from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean region and Bermuda. It is not valid for international air travel.

Information on how and where to apply for a U.S. Passport Card is available at travel.state.gov.

For more information, contact: Bureau of Consular Affairs Press Inquiries: (202) 647-1488

Internet addresses: http://www.travel.state.gov; http://www.getyouhome.gov

U.S. Passport Services: toll-free (877)4USAPPT

[Back to Press Releases Main]