FACT SHEET
What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)?
This initiative establishes document requirements for travel
by land or sea into the United States from Canada, Mexico,
the Caribbean and Bermuda. Travel between the U.S.,
Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands is not affected.
Who does the travel initiative affect?
It affects United States, Canadian and Bermudian
citizens entering the United States by land or sea.
When will WHTI Land and Sea go into effect?
Effective June 1, 2009, only WHTI-compliant documents
are acceptable for entering the United States.
Why is the U.S. Government implementing this
travel initiative?
WHTI is the joint Department of State (DOS) and
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plan to
implement the statutory mandates of the Intelligence
Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA).
WHTI establishes document requirements for travelers
entering the United States who were previously exempt,
including citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda.
What is the goal of requiring secure documents?
The goal is to strengthen border security while
facilitating entry into the United States for U.S.
citizens and legitimate international travelers, making
the process more efficient and convenient.
What types of documents are accepted June 1, 2009
for entry into the United States via land and sea?
• U.S. citizens can present a valid: U.S. Passport;
Passport Card; Enhanced Driver’s License; Trusted
Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST);
U.S. Military identification card when traveling on
official orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner document
when traveling in conjunction with official maritime
business; or Form I-872 American Indian Card,
or (when available) Enhanced Tribal Card.
• U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of
16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious
group, or other youth group) need only present a
birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth
certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy.
• WHTI does not affect U.S. Lawful Permanent
Residents, who are still required to present their
permanent resident card (Form I-551) or other
valid evidence of permanent residence status.
• Canadian citizens can present a valid passport,
Enhanced Driver’s License, or Trusted Traveler
Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST).
• Bermudian citizens are required to present a
valid passport.
• Mexican citizens, including children, are required to
present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card.
• U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin
and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the
United States with a birth certificate and government-
issued photo ID. Please be aware that you may still be
required to present a passport to enter the countries
your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise
line to ensure you have the appropriate documents.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
Land and Sea Travel Document Requirements
For more information, visit www.GetYouHome.gov
or contact the Office of Public Affairs at 202–344–1780.