united states, passport rules

The U.S. State Department has finalized their Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and there are significant passport rule changes and requirements for travelers, beginning January 23, 2007.  At that time, U.S. citizens that travel outside of the United States by air, including to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Bermuda will be required to present a valid U.S. passport when they return.  Birth certificates will no longer be accepted for re-entry into the U.S.

Further details and background can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html):

Additional information:

Go here for information on obtaining or renewing a passport:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

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: