WHTI Frequently Asked Questions
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
Frequently Asked Questions
What is currently required at land and sea borders?
As of January 31, 2008, oral declarations of citizenship alone are no longer sufficient to establish identity and citizenship for entry into the United States. U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older are asked 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 are currently asked only to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Passports and trusted traveler cards, such as NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, are considered WHTI-compliant documents and are accepted for cross-border travel.
The period between publication of the final rule and June 1, 2009, is designed to lessen the impact on individuals and allow time for travelers to become accustomed to the change and obtain the appropriate documents. Implementation of WHTI, which will further narrow the types of accepted documents, will take place on June 1, 2009.
How will the final WHTI requirements affect passengers going on cruises?
U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by DOS, or a Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport when you dock at a foreign port, depending on the islands or countries that your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruiseline to ensure you have the appropriate documents for the stops you'll be making on your cruise.
What is the cost of obtaining a traditional passport book or the new passport card?
If you are age 16 or older and applying for the first time, a passport book costs $100 and is good for ten years. Passport books for children under age 16 are $85 and are valid for five years. Adults renewing their passports pay a $75 fee. Expedited processing is available for an additional $60.
The Department of State is accepting applications for the new passport card that will be issued later this Spring. For applicants who do not already have a passport book, the costs for the passport card are $45 for ages 16 and older and $35 for children under age 16. For those with valid passport books, the passport card fee is $20 for those ages 16 and over. Passport cards carry the same periods of validity as passport books. Complete information is available at www.travel.state.gov/passport.
Will there be other accepted documents?
Several states have agreed to issue enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) through a partnership with DHS. Washington State has already begun to issue EDLs, and Vermont, New York, and Arizona are working with DHS to develop EDLs for U.S. citizens residing in their states. These documents will denote both citizenship and identity and will contain security features to help prevent counterfeiting and facilitate the entry process at land and sea ports of entry.
Additional documents that will be accepted at land and sea ports of entry include:
- Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551);
- Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business;
- U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders; and
- Kickapoo Band Members of the Kickapoo Band of Texas and Tribe of Oklahoma are permitted to present the Form I-872 American Indian Card in lieu of a passport, as they do currently.
Mexican citizens, including children, are currently required to present documents, which include a valid passport and visa or a laser visa/Border Crossing Card (including SENTRI program members); there is little to no change expected for these travelers.
Will I be able to use an enhanced driver's license (EDL) at locations outside of my state?
Yes. EDLs will be accepted for entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean at any land or sea port of entry.
I am a (sports coach/group leader/chaperone) that regularly takes groups of students across the border for events. What should I do to ensure that all of my students can cross?
Please ensure that all members of the club/team/youth group have birth certificates or other valid proof of citizenship. U.S. and Canadian children ages 18 and under who are part of the group will be able to enter the country with their birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.
Additional requirements will take effect for groups of children after implementation of WHTI on June 1, 2009. See the CBP website for more information.