Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
- Susan would like to make sure all of you are aware of a new rule that affects those who enter the United States by land or sea (e.g. via the San Ysidro or Otay Mesa ports of entry).
- The Departments of State and Homeland Security now requires all adult travelers (including U.S. citizens) to provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the USA.
- This is an expansion of the program that was implemented for all air travelers in 2007.
- Oral declarations of citizenship alone from U.S. and Canadian citizens are no longer accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate
- Children ages 18 and under are only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate
- Passports and trusted traveler program cards - NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST - continue to be accepted for cross-border travel
- All existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements remain in effect and have not been altered by this change.