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. It is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism
Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA).
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 went into effect June 1, 2009 for
land and sea travel into the U.S. WHTI document requirements for air travel went into effect in 2007.
For current travel document requirements, click here. |