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Reminder: New U.S. Land Border Crossing Requirements Go into Effect Jan. 31, 2008
Currently, upon entering the United States at a land border port of entry, an individual without documentation can simply verbally claim to be a U.S. or Canadian citizen. Starting Jan. 31, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security is ending this practice of oral declarations.
This change affects all U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the United States by land or sea—including pleasure vessel or ferry. Travelers ages 19 and older will be asked to present certain documentation from a specified list to prove both identity and citizenship when entering the United States at land or sea ports of entry.
Single document option:
• U.S. or Canadian passport
• U.S. passcard (not available until spring)
• So-called "trusted traveler card," which includes NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST cards (typically used only by people who cross the border frequently, often for work)
• State or province issued "enhanced" driver's license (states are only beginning to produce these, so they are not available in most places)
• U.S. military ID with travel orders
• U.S. merchant mariner document
• Native American Tribal Photo ID card
• Form I-872 American Indian Card
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Card
Two document option (if you don't have a passport or one of the other accepted single document identification options):
Border crossers must present a driver's license or ID card, or a U.S. or Canadian ID card, PLUS one of the following:
• Birth certificate
• U.S. Consular report of birth abroad
• U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship
• U.S. Citizen Identification Card
• Canadian citizenship card
• Canadian certificate of citizenship without photo
The above requirements apply to U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older. U.S. and Canadian citizens 18 and younger need a birth certificate issued by a federal, state, provincial, county, or municipal authority.
Travelers who do not have the appropriate documents may be delayed while customs and border patrol officers attempt to verify their citizenship and identity. These travlers will also be given the informational tear sheet explaining the new procedures. The intent of this transition is to raise awareness of the change, educate travelers, and allow ample time for travelers to obtain the necessary documents.
This transition period will last for approximately 18 months, at which time the Departments of Homeland Security and State will implement the requirement for secure travel documents, under the congressionally mandated Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). As early as June 1, 2009, only secure documents meeting identity and citizenship requirements under WHTI will be accepted for cross-border travel through land and sea ports of entry. The final land and sea rule for WHTI will describe which documents will be accepted after implementation. Officials anticipate that accepted secure documentation will include U.S. and Canadian passports; the U.S. passport card; NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST cards; and enhanced driver’s licenses and tribal cards.
These rules are available on the Department of State's consular web site, travel.state.gov and on the Department of Homeland Security's web site, www.dhs.gov. You'll also find a detailed FAQ page on the Department of Homeland Security's site.
Ultimately, all travelers entering the United States by land, air and sea will be required to present a passport or other recognized secure travel document that proves both identity and citizenship. Officials anticipate these requirements to go into effect as early as June 1, 2009. This kind of documentation is already required for all travelers entering the United States by air, as of Jan. 23, 2007. The Department of State has dedicated additional resources and personnel to meet the increased demand for passports generated by these requirements. For more information about how to apply for a passport, visit travel.state.gov or call (877) 487-2778.