western hemisphere travel initiative (whti) compliant document

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Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Requirements

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) remind the traveling public that as of Jan. 31, 2008, all adult travelers will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry. DHS will be issuing a notice in the Federal Register formally announcing the change. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may accept oral declarations of citizenship from U.S. and Canadian citizens seeking entry into the United States through a land or sea border until January 30, 2008. As of January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either:

• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport Card
• Trusted Traveler Card (SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST)
• Valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
• Valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders
• Government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license
• Proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

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Enhanced Drivers Licenses: What Are They?

Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDLs) are state-issued enhanced drivers licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border in a vehicle. They are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier. EDLs are a low-cost, convenient option for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive.

DHS has been working with individual states to enhance their drivers licenses and identification documents to comply with travel rules under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) , effective June 1, 2009.

EDL's are available in the following states:

How to Apply for an Enhanced Driver's License?

The application for an EDL depends on where you live. It is currently only available to residents of the following states :

Benefits of an EDL

EDLs make it easier for U.S. citizens to cross the border into the United States because they include:

• A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that will signal a secure system to pull up your biographic and biometric data for the CBP officer as you approach the border inspection booth.
• A Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) or barcode that the CBP officer can read electronically if RFID isn't available.

Alternative to Canadian Passport

DHS worked with Canadian provincial and federal officials to change EDLs as another option to the Canadian passport. Four Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec) are issuing EDLs to Canadian citizens. Canadian citizens can present an EDL when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry.

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No personally identifiable information (PII) is stored on the card's RFID chip or can be transmitted electronically by the card. The card uses a unique identification number that links to information contained in a secure DHS database. This number does not contain PII. When you get an EDL, you will also receive:

• Information on how to use, carry, and protect your license.
• A shielded sleeve that prevents anyone from reading your license.

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An Introduction to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI): What You Need to Know

An Introduction to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Prior to 2007 American citizens traveling to and from certain countries such as Canada and areas in the Caribbean did not need a passport. After 9/11, the US government responded with new laws to protect our borders. More effectively, identify who comes into the country.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) states that all citizens of Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. must present a passport or another form of valid and accepted documentation to enter or leave the US.

The primary purpose of WHTI is to assist with the entry of US Citizens and legitimate foreign travelers while at the same time strengthening American borders.

Related: Do You Need a Passport to Go To Cancun

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is a WHTI Document?

The Initiative commenced in January of 2007 for all air travel. By June 2009, the land and sea requirements were put into effect. Under (WHTI) a citizen from Canada wishing to enter the US must present one of the following documents: an enhanced driver’s license, an enhanced identification card, a Trusted Traveler Program card, or a Canadian passport.

A US citizen coming back to the US from Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, or Mexico must have an enhanced driver’s license . They may also have a Trusted Traveler Program card or a US passport or passport card .

Related: Do You Need a Passport to Go to Canada

What Countries Are in The Western Hemisphere Initiative?

The Western Hemisphere Initiative is a US foreign policy commitment in the Americas. It aims to support inclusive economic growth, strengthen democratic institutions, and foster mutual security. The initiative covers countries in the Western Hemisphere, excluding the United States and Canada.

North America

• British Virgin Island
• Cayman Island
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• US Virgin Islands

Some special groups mustn’t necessarily present one of these cards or licenses. This includes the US and Canadian children under age 16 who are entering by land or sea. Hence, they may use a birth certificate for sea or land crossings. There are also exceptions and other forms of documentation that can be used.

This applies to the Native Americans, Merchant Mariners, and US military personnel.

Travel between the US and its territories did not change. These include Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Swains Island, and American Samoa. The U.S. Government has built a blog to help travelers who need more information on the WHTI here.

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Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

• U.S.Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the Western Hemisphere countries.
• The Passport Card : The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
• WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of June 1, 2009:
• Trusted Traveler Programs (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
• State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available and approved by DHS)
• U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
• Form I-872 American Indian Card

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Alerts in effect, western hemisphere travel initiative.

The National Park Service is providing this information as a courtesy to visitors. The following is from the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is committed to working with travelers to ensure they have access to and can obtain appropriate travel documents. U.S. and Canadian citizens who lack WHTI-compliant documents are encouraged to continue with their travel plans and to obtain WHTI travel documents as soon as possible to further expedite future border crossings. more...

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative became effective June 1, 2009. This law affects all recreational boaters floating the Rio Grande. Boaters should be aware that float trips may be considered as trips that have left and re-entered the country. This is due to the fact that the international border is the middle of the deepest part of the river channel and as such varies from location to location. Boaters may be asked by representatives of the Department of Homeland Security to provide proper identification as required by law. The required identification types needed to be presented when landing on the US side of the Rio Grande and include the acceptable forms of identification as follows:

U.S. Passport: This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.

U.S. Passport Card: This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.

Enhanced Driver's License (EDL): Several states and Canadian provinces are issuing this driver’s license or identification document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea.

Trusted Traveler Program Cards : NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk.

Special Groups: Information for Children, Groups of Children, Native Americans, "Closed Loop" Cruises, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, U.S. Military, Merchant Mariners, Ferries and Small Boats, and Boaters.

For more information, please see the following DHS website.

http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/index.html

Last updated: February 24, 2015

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Are Passports Required When going on a Cruise

Western hemisphere travel initiative trusted documents.

Although passports are not required when traveling domestically, we strongly recommend that you take your passport aboard with you when you go on a vacation cruise . While you are on a cruise, it is very important to have compliant travel documents that are listed by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Passports are Required When Going on a Cruise

We know traveling documents are the last thing on your mind when you're preparing to go on a cruise, but it is best that you make them a priority.

Cruise Planners travel agents will assist you with your preparation and booking when going on your next cruise, whether you are a first time cruiser, or a seasoned cruiser. Before you go on your next cruise to the Bahamas, please view our cruise packing tips & checklist .

We've also taken the time to answer frequently asked questions on specific destinations on whether or not passports are required

• Are passports required to travel to Alaska?
• Are passports required to travel to the Bahamas?
• Are passports required to travel to Hawaii?
• Are passports required to travel Puerto Rico?

Are Passports & Travel Documents Required When Cruising?

It is strongly recommended that you travel with your passport when taking cruises especially when the cruise ship touches international waters. Cruise lines such as Carnival strongly suggest that travelers have their passports on hand while traveling. Below is a list of approved Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative trusted document.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Compliant Documents

When cruising you should have at least 2 forms of the below documents with you. U.S. citizens traveling to and from U.S. ports are required to travel with at least one Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant document. When traveling abroad, have your passport and another form of ID available.

• Valid U.S. Passport
• Passport Card
• Original or suitable quality copy of a Birth Certificate (Issued by a government agency: state/county/city)  and a government issued photo ID if 16 years of age and older.
• Original Certificate of Naturalization
• Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card,  e.g., Nexus Card, Sentri Card or Fast Card
• Enhanced Tribal Card
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) - only acceptable at land and sea ports of entry.  It cannot be used for air travel outside the U.S.  The word 'Enhanced' must appear on the driver's license. The following five states currently issue an EDL:     Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington.

Copies of U.S. passports and naturalization papers, hospital and baptismal certificates are not WHTI compliant documents, therefore, are NOT acceptable.

Cruise Travel Agents

For additional questions on taking a cruise, please use our cost saving travel agent services . Our travel agents can assist you in planning and booking your next cruise. Not only can our travel agents provide you with great cruise specials, they can also provide you with valuable reviews and feedback that will make your next cruise enjoyable! Contact a travel agent directly by calling 1-800-683-0206.

Cruise Planners travel agent is merely a selling agent and makes no warranty expressed or implied. Each Cruise Planners is Independently Owned and Operated. Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, has a tremendous reputation for quality, service, and very competitive pricing for ALL of your travel needs. Cruise Planners travel advisors will help you discover exciting adventures around the world. To learn more about Cruise Planners and the executive team, click here.

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