If you are traveling by plane to Mexico or Canada, please keep in mind that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted form of documentation to enter or depart the United States.

FAQs on New Requirements
(06/11/2009)
Q:  The Basics – What is it, whom does it affect and when does it go into effect?
A:  The Air portion of The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires, with some exceptions, citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda to present a passport to enter or depart the United States when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere.

Q:  Whom will the travel initiative affect?
A:  U.S. citizens will need a passport to enter the United States by air from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, South and Central America, and the Caribbean (otherwise known as the Western Hemisphere).
Also under this rule, citizens of Mexico, Canada, and Bermuda are required to have a passport when entering the United States by air. While United States citizens are currently required to have passports to enter most countries in Central and South America, this rule makes clear that the passport must be presented upon return to the United States as well.

Q:  When was the travel initiative implemented?
A:  Phase 1: As of January 23, 2007, U.S. citizens and citizens of Canada, Mexico and Bermuda traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport to enter or depart the U.S.
Phase 2: As of January 32, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 years and older who enter the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere need to present government issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as proof of identity, along with a proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, or a passport. Children age 18 and under are able to enter with proof of citizenship. Verbal claims of citizenship and identity alone are no longer sufficient to establish identity and citizenship for entry into the United States.
 
Q:  How do I get a passport?
A:  United States citizens can visit the U.S. State Department’s travel Web site, or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center: 1-877-4USA-PPT; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793. Additionally, instructions for obtaining a passport are available through the U.S. Postal Service: ( United States Postal Service ) ( US Department of State )
Please allow a sufficient amount of time to apply and receive the passport in advance of travel. Processing of the passport application takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks. If you need to travel urgently and require a passport sooner, please visit the U.S. State Department's travel Web site for additional information. ( US Department of State )
Peak domestic passport processing is between January and July. For faster service, we recommend applying between August and December. U.S. citizens living outside the U.S. should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain passports.
 
Q:  What do I need to travel to Canada or Mexico?
A:  Different countries may have different travel document requirements. It is best to check with the country you are visiting to determine the appropriate travel document requirements (for instance, whether you need a passport and/or visa). You can find out more by referring to the State Department Web site. ( US Department of State ) 

Q:  What happens to persons who attempt to enter or re-enter the country without a passport or an alternative travel document?
A:  For the general public, people who apply for entry but do not have appropriate documentation will likely be referred for secondary screening at the port. In secondary, Customs and Border Protection officers will evaluate evidence of citizenship or identity the individual may have and will verify all information against available databases. For foreign nationals, a determination will be made at that time whether to admit the individual. However, to prevent delay at the ports of entry, we would encourage all travelers to obtain the appropriate documents before they travel. In addition, the State Department has processes to assist U.S. citizens overseas to obtain emergency travel documentation for those with lost or stolen passports.
 
Q:  Other than a passport, what types of documents are acceptable for air travel?
A:  Individuals traveling by air within the Western Hemisphere are required to present a passport for admission to the U.S. with limited exceptions.
This Final Rule outlines two additional documents that will be acceptable for air travel. The first is the Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or “z card” issued by the U.S. Coast Guard that will be acceptable for use under WHTI by U.S. citizen merchant mariners traveling on official business. The other document is the NEXUS Air card, for which enrollment is limited to citizens of Canada and the United States, lawful permanent residents of the United States and permanent residents of Canada.

Q:  Do the documentation requirements apply to children?
A:  Yes, all children ranging in age from birth to 18 years-of-age are required to present their own passport when entering the United States at airports.

* From the Department of Homeland Security