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The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require all travelers to and from Canada , Mexico , Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States . The goal is to strengthen the border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers.
Children will also be required to present a passport when entering the United States at airports or seaports of entry.
To process a passport application can take from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the kind of service you apply for (routine or expedited service) or by applying at a Passport Acceptance Facility or via mail.
CIBT is the world's leading travel document specialist and expediting service. Whether you require U.S.-based passport or visa processing, international passport or visa application forms and instructions, or other related services, CIBT can assist you.
The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:
- Beginning January 23, 2007 , ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
- As early as January 1, 2008 , ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
Travel Documents for U.S. Citizens Under WHTI
Under the proposed implementation plan, the following documents will be acceptable to fulfill document requirements:
- 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 (including ferry crossings).
- 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 (including ferries) between the U.S. and Canada , Mexico , the Caribbean, and Bermuda . Similar in size to a credit card, it will fit easily into a wallet.
- DOS and DHS also anticipate that the following documents will continue to be acceptable for their current travel uses under WHTI: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, and the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. As proposed, members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders will continue to be exempt from the passport requirement.
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