Ask the Consul
What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative?
On January 23, 2007, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will
require all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to
have a passport or other document that establishes the bearer’s identity and
nationality in order to enter or re-enter the United States. The goal is to
strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S.
citizens and legitimate foreign visitors.
When will the WHTI be implemented?
WHTI will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as
possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new
guidelines. The proposed timeline will be as follows:
- January 23, 2007 – WHTI will apply to all air
travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean,
and Bermuda.
- As early as January 1, 2008 – Requirement will
be extended to all land and sea border crossings (including ferries) as well
as air travel.
What travel documents will be acceptable under WHTI?
- U.S. Passport:
U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air
between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the
Caribbean, and Bermuda, and may also use a U.S. passport when traveling via
sea and land borders.
- The Passport Card
(also referred to as the PASS Card): This limited use passport in card
format is currently under development and will be available for use for
travel only via land or sea between the United States and Canada, Mexico,
the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Similar in size to a credit card, it will fit
easily into a wallet.
Will this requirement apply to travel between the United States and Puerto
Rico?
WHTI will not affect travel between the United States and its territories.
U.S. citizens traveling directly between the United States, Puerto Rico, the
U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa will
continue to be able to use established forms of identification to board flights
and for entry. |
