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Passports
The U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and
State are working together to implement the
Western Hemisphere
Travel Initiative (WHTI) - a government program purported to
strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the U.S.
for citizens and legitimate international visitors.
Since the start, Sen. Leahy has expressed
reservations about a hasty implementation of the WHTI due to the
cultural and economic restrictions it would place on travel
between the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. |
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In the run-up to full implementation
at our nation’s land and sea borders, Congress approved an
amendment sponsored by Sen. Leahy to delay the implementation of the WHTI
until at least June 1, 2009, in order to give the Departments of
Homeland Security and State more time to fix the problems of the
system and address the backlog in passport requests.
Below is a summary of important
dates, and the documents that will be necessary for land, sea
and air travel at those times. |
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS
| Type of Travel |
Date of Enactment |
Requirements |
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Air Travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
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Beginning October 1, 2007 |
A U.S. passport or a permanent resident card/green card. |
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Land and Sea Travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and
Bermuda
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Beginning January 31, 2008 |
Present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant
document (such as a U.S. passport, NEXUS card, or FAST
card) OR both a government-issued photo I.D. (such as a
driver's license) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth
certificate) OR a permanent resident card/green card. |
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Beginning June 2009
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A Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant
document (such as a U.S. passport, a U.S. Passport Card,
a NEXUS card, or a FAST card). |
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Travel to All Other Countries in the World |
Currently
effective |
A U.S. passport or permanent resident card/green card. |
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Apply
for a Passport
If you are a U.S. citizen, visit the
State Department website to find the information you
need to
apply for a new passport, replace a lost/stolen
passport, or apply to renew a passport. Information on
obtaining
birth records can be found on the
State of Vermont's Department of Health website as well.
If you need further assistance, please call Sen. Leahy's
Burlington office at 1-800-642-3193. |
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Additional Information
Please visit the
State Department's website for further information about
foreign travel for U.S. citizens.
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