Passport Update
Washington,
Jan 31, 2008 -
As your future travel plans warrant, please review the following information and links provided by the U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security regarding travel requirements.
The full requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will be implemented in June 2009 that will require all travelers returning to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda--including those who travel by land or sea--to have a passport or other federally approved ID. (A passport is already required for all international air travel).
Unlike now, the new law means adult Americans won’t be able to use just a driver’s license and birth certificate when driving across the U.S. border. Travelers are advised to beat the rush and apply for their U.S. passport now if they plan to travel out of the country
AIR TRAVEL
All U.S. citizens traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
- CURRENTLY: U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
- LATER: On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.
Please Note: Children under age 16 will be able to continue crossing land & sea borders using only a U.S. birth certificate (or naturalization certificate) after the new law takes effect in June. The original birth certificate or a copy may be used. See the Department of Homeland Security's Ready, Set.. Go! page for more information on the changing travel requirements.
To learn more about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative click here:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html#
- To learn more about the new Passport Card, an option for U.S. Citizens frequently crossing land borders and sea ports-of-entry when entering from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda click here:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html
- For steps to apply for a new passport or to renew an existing passport click here:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_840.html
- For information on the latest regulations for re-entering the U.S. click here:
http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/index.shtm
If you need further assistance with your passport application, or to check on the status of an application you have already submitted, please call Congressman Shadegg’s Phoenix office at (602) 263-5300.
Click here to read the June 2007 Passport Issuance Update
