CBP Reminds Travelers of New Border-Crossing Document Requirements

posted on: May 23, 2009

Washington U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminds United States and Canadian citizens that new document requirements go into effect on June 1 for entry into United States at land or seaports. Travelers should apply for approved travel documents now, as it can take several weeks to receive a document that will comply with new requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

CBP is committed to working with travelers to ensure they have access to and can obtain appropriate travel documents. U.S. and Canadian citizens who lack WHTI-compliant documents but are otherwise
admissible will not be denied entry into the United States on June 1, and are encouraged to continue with their travel plans and to obtain facilitative and secure WHTI travel documents as soon as possible.

U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean need only present proof of citizenship, such as an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

For more information, consult www.cbp.gov