Travel Document Requirements Starting January 31, 2009
With numerous updates on the new travel document requirements brought on by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), it’s no wonder that so many travelers are confused and don’t know what form of id they need to bring with them when they travel outside of the US. Below we have covered the most important points a traveler needs to do before visiting a country outside the US, but for the most accurate and up-to-date information we recommend consulting the U.S. Department of State website before you travel.
Travel Documents required when travelling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and countries in the Caribbean region (except Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
Traveling by Land or Sea after January 31, 2008:
Below are three options given by the Department of Homeland Security in order for US citizens to prove their US citizenship when entering or leaving the US.:
- government-issued photo ID (for example a driver’s license) together with proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate)
- a valid passport
- a trusted traveler program card (such as NEXUS and FAST)
Traveling by Air:
As of January 23rd 2007, all US citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and countries in the Caribbean region (except Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) will be required to present a valid passport. Other forms of acceptable documents are Alien Registration Cards, a Merchant Mariner Document (when travelling on official business) and NEXUS Air cards.
For more information, go to: Passport Information
Passport Requirements 2009