Follow The New Rules When Visiting Canada and Mexico
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.
New Rules for Traveling to Canada and Mexico: What You Need to Know
Summary:
Planning a trip to Canada or Mexico from the United States? Be sure to follow the new travel rules.Key Points:
- Starting January 31, 2008, travelers entering the U.S. from Canada or Mexico must show specific documents.- This affects U.S. and Canadian citizens, ending the practice of entry by oral declaration.
- The initiative enhances border security and streamlines the entry process.
Article:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that as of January 31, 2008, travelers entering the United States from Canada or Mexico through land and sea ports must present documentation proving citizenship and identity. This rule mainly affects U.S. and Canadian citizens, who previously entered by simply declaring their citizenship verbally. The change is part of an effort to standardize entry requirements and enhance border security.
Enhanced Border Security
According to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, relying only on verbal declarations is not a sustainable security practice. Implementing strict document requirements significantly reduces the risk of security breaches. With travelers accustomed to carrying proper documentation, border officers can more efficiently verify identities.New Documentation Requirements
From January 31, travelers aged 19 and older must present documents from a specific list when crossing the U.S. border via land or sea. Acceptable documents include birth certificates and driver’s licenses, with a complete list available at www.cbp.gov. Children 18 and under only need a birth certificate. Those without these documents may face delays as officials verify their information.Eliminating False Claims
The decision to eliminate entry via oral declaration stems from concerns about false claims of U.S. citizenship. Between October and December 2007, officials reported over 1,500 false declarations. One individual falsely claiming citizenship was even wanted for homicide in California. These incidents highlight vulnerabilities that the new rule aims to address.Consistent Documentation Standards
The update introduces a standardized and reliable method for border verification, moving away from varied documents like baptismal certificates. This helps officers apply consistent checks and identify counterfeit documents more efficiently.Public Awareness and Transition
The DHS is running a public awareness campaign to ensure travelers understand these changes under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Those who obtain the necessary documents, such as a passport card or Trusted Traveler Program cards by January 31, 2008, will comply with the WHTI requirements before its full implementation in June 2009.Applying for Passport Cards
U.S. citizens can apply for the new U.S. Passport Card starting February 1, 2008, to prepare for the new land border document requirements. Expected to be available by spring 2008, these cards offer an additional secure form of identification.Implementation Timeline
Though the DHS planned to implement the document requirements as early as summer 2008, the fiscal year 2008 Appropriations Bill postpones this to June 2009.For a smooth travel experience, ensure you have the necessary documents well in advance of your trip.
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