Congressman Sander Levin

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) fully took effect June 1, 2009. The law now requires anyone entering or exiting the United States to present a passport, or a document that contains one’s citizenship and photo identification, when traveling between the United States and Canada or Mexico.

I fully support improving our border security, but have expressed concern that WHTI could lead to problems at the Detroit-Windsor crossing, as well as be costly for the many Michigan families who enjoy visiting Canada. I am a co-sponsor of the IMPACT Act, H.R. 2670, which would require Congressional and Administrative oversight of WHTI to ensure that it does not harm travel or trade across our northern border.


The State of Michigan is now issuing Enhanced Drivers Licenses and Enhanced State Identification cards, which will serve as cheaper alternatives to a passport for Michigan residents who travel to Canada and fully meet the requirements of WHTI. The costs range from $30 for an Enhanced ID and $45 for an Enhanced License. They are available at any Secretary of State branch office to all Michigan residents who are U.S. citizens.

(Updated June 18, 2009)