Passport Update
Washington,
Jan 31 -
On January 31, 2008 the U.S. State Department implemented the next stage of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). U.S. citizens need to present either a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, or a WHTI-compliant document, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate when crossing through a land border or sea port-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
The next stage, expected this summer, will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at land or sea ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.
- To learn more about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative click here:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html#
- To learn more about the new Passport Card, an option for U.S. Citizens frequently crossing land borders and sea ports-of-entry when entering from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda click here:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html
- For steps to apply for a new passport or to renew an existing passport click here:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_840.html
- For information on the latest regulations for re-entering the U.S. click here:
http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/index.shtm
If you need further assistance with your passport application, or to check on the status of an application you have already submitted, please call Congressman Shadegg’s Phoenix office at (602) 263-5300.
Click here to read the June 2007 Passport Issuance Update
