The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires U.S. and Canadian travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.

The goal of WHTI is to facilitate entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors, while strengthening U.S. border security. Standard documents will enable the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.

WHTI will go into effect June 1, 2009 for land and sea travel into the U.S. WHTI went into effect for air travelers on January 23, 2007.

On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea, will be required to present one of the travel documents listed below:

U.S. Passport – This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.

U.S. Passport Card – This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.

Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – Several states and Canadian provinces/territories are issuing this driver’s license or identification document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea.

Trusted Traveler Program Cards – NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk.

Special Groups – Information for Parents and Children, Native Americans and Boaters.

Knowing what documents are required and having them ready when you return home will help streamline the entry process and ensure your return to the U.S. is as smooth as possible.

Download the TRAVEL WIDGET to keep this information on your desktop:

• Countdown to your trip
• Weather at your destination
• Link to www.GetYouHome.gov and travel document requirements

The TRAVEL WIDGET is an Adobe AIR application that runs on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Macintosh.

To install the TRAVEL WIDGET, follow these three simple steps:

1. Download the Adobe AIR software by clicking this link: http://get.adobe.com/air/
2. Once the download is complete, follow the prompts to install the Adobe AIR software to your computer.
3. After the Adobe AIR software is installed, click on this link to download for Windows , or click on this link to download for Mac , install and launch your TRAVEL WIDGET!