Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Changes That Impact Travel and Tourism

ITA - Office of Travel and Tourism Industries

Important Travel Guidelines

Passport

Travel Alert:
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. Citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the ESTA Interim Final Rule (IFR), which establishes a new online system that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and is required by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. Once ESTA is mandatory, all nationals or citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure will require an approved ESTA prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP. The rule does not apply to U.S. citizens traveling overseas.

	Travel.State.Gov:
Whether you are an international visitor traveling to the United States, or an American citizen traveling abroad, the U.S. Department of State has a wealth of information ranging from new requirements when traveling to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico, or Canada (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) to information on obtaining passports and visas.

	DHS: Travel Security and Procedures:
Know before you go. The Department of Homeland Security provides travelers with important information one needs when traveling.

	CBP: Customs and Border Protection
CBP outlines exactly what documents you need to enter the United States and everything you wanted to know about clearing customs, what you can and cannot bring into the United States, and important travel alerts.

	TSA: Transportation Security Administration:
The Transportation Security Administration provides travelers to and from the United States with a myriad of useful data. What can and cannot bring in your bags; preparing for security screenings; air, rail, passenger vessels, and even mass transit travel tips and information.