New Passport Rules for U.S and Canadian Citizens at U.S. Land/Sea Borders

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) department of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has implemented new entry rules as of June 1, 2009.  U.S. and Canadian travellers must now present a valid U.S. or Canadian passport or other travel document to cross the northern or southern U.S. borders when entering the U.S. by land or sea. The rules for air travel already went into effect.  Note: Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. can continue to use their Permanent Resident Card (I-551).

The new measures stem back to 9/11 and the tightening of borders as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which requires that all Canadian and American citizens entering the U.S. from Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean must present their passport or other valid and approved travel document to the CBP.  (In the past it was possible to cross the borders with just a driver’s license or photo ID and an oral declaration of citizenship). 

An ‘approved travel document’ means a valid U.S. or Canadian Passport, a Passport Card (valid for land borders, but not air travel), a Trusted Traveller Card,  or Enhanced Driver’s License (participating States).  There are several exceptions to the rules, such as for children under 16, members of the military and some cruise travellers.  For complete information visit the WHTI website.

Important:  A reminder to those eligible to travel to the U.S by air or sea under the Visa-Waiver Program (including UK).  It is now a requirement to register (free) with ESTA for permission to travel.  It is recommended that the online ESTA appliation be completed as early as possible, but the deadline is 72 hours prior to departure.  We have heard stories of travellers being turned away for failure to comply with ESTA – and be warned that travel insurance does not normally cover claims for financial losses caused by failure to obtain the necessary visas!