David K - 12-12-2007 at 06:45 PM
David:
Your help to post the attached on the Baja Nomad internet forum is greatly appreciated!!
Vincent Bond
Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Press Release
December 3, 2007
Contact: DHS Press Office, (202) 282-8010
DOS Press Office, (202) 647-2492
TRAVELERS REMINDED OF NEW DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS BEGINNING JANUARY 31, 2008
Documents Proving Citizenship and Identity Will be Required When Entering The United States Through Land and Sea Ports of Entry
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) remind the traveling public that as of Jan. 31,
2008, all adult travelers will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s
license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry. DHS will be issuing a notice in the Federal Register formally announcing
the change.
This change is a necessary step to prepare travelers and ease the transition to the future requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
(WHTI). WHTI proposes to establish documentation requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens
of the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda. As recommended by the 9/11 Commission, Congress enacted WHTI in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act
of 2004. WHTI will result in both enhanced security and increased facilitation across the border once implemented. During this transition, DHS and the
Department of State are working diligently to minimize the impact on legitimate trade and travel.
Currently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may accept oral declarations of citizenship from U.S. and Canadian citizens seeking entry
into the United States through a land or sea border. However, as of January 31, 2008:
§ Oral declarations of citizenship alone will no longer be accepted
§ U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of
citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate
§ Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate
§ Passports and trusted traveler program cards - NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST - will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel
All existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will remain in effect and will not be altered by this change.
DOS reminds the public that the current turnaround time for a passport is four to six weeks, so Americans planning international travel may wish to
apply now. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport visit www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778. Specific documentation requirements for land, sea and air travel may be found at www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/. To learn more about NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, visit www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/.
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David K - 12-14-2007 at 09:47 AM
Important.
tjBill - 12-15-2007 at 04:47 PM
Does this mean if one crosses with a Sentri card, one does not need to carry a passport?
David K - 12-15-2007 at 04:53 PM
I read that no passport is yet required... only a photo ID and proof of birth in U.S., will now be enforced. A passport requirement is only for air
passengers, not land.