It's called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and you can't say we didn't warn you.
Two months from now, when you're heading home from your annual fishing trip to Canada, you'd better have a passport booklet or passport card -- or you're going to be on vacation a little longer.
Starting June 1, the gradual phase-in of the WHTI -- a product of the 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act -- will be complete. That means U.S. citizens age 16 and older who are coming into the country at land or sea points will be required in most cases to show a passport booklet or card to gain entry. Previously, photo identification such as a driver's license and proof of citizenship like a birth certificate were acceptable to enter at the border.
Those under the age of 16 will still be allowed to present a birth certificate (original or copy) or documentation such as a naturalization certificate to gain entry at land and sea ports. And rules also remain unchanged for air travel, which in almost every case require a passport booklet for all citizens, regardless of age, to re-enter the United States.
Also of note is that U.S. passengers on cruise ships that sail round-trip from a domestic port will still be able to re-enter the United States without a passport as long as they have proof of identity and citizenship, such as a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Foreign countries might require a passport, though, so check with your cruise line or travel agent.
The U.S. Department of State's passport Web site has detailed information on passport requirements, including the latest changes and information on how to apply for the proper documentation. For first-time passport requests, application must be done in person at a post office or county clerk of courts office. Check
http://travel.state.gov/passport
for complete requirements, sites and application forms.
Given Wisconsin's proximity to Canada, the most relevant change is probably the new border requirements involving that country. In general, those with plans to visit Canada this summer should apply now for a passport booklet or card. The latter is a new idea, less than a year in production, and is cheaper but with more limited use.
A new application for a full-fledged passport will cost $100 for adults and $85 for those under age 16. The booklet is valid for 10 years (five for minors) for any international travel.
A passport card is just that, a wallet-sized card valid only for land and sea travel for Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda, but not for international air travel. The card also is valid for 10 years (five for minors) but costs only $45 for adults and $35 for minors. Adults who have a current passport booklet may also add a passport card for $20.
According to the State Department's Web site, more than 700,000 passport cards have been issued since they were introduced last July. Right now, the Web site notes, it is taking about four weeks to process applications for the card, though that time could lengthen as applications increase leading up to the June 1 changes. Expedited service is available but makes the process somewhat more costly and complicated. The Web site maintains updates in projected processing times.
Passport cards, the State Department explains, are specially designed to prevent counterfeiting. They also contain Radio Frequency ID chips linked to traveler information in government databases, theoretically allowing for quicker border crossings.
A few other items of note regarding passport rules for U.S. citizens:
• Travelers returning from a U.S. territory such as Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands do not need a passport or passport card.
• Low-risk travelers who make frequent border crossings can join special Trusted Traveler Programs for pre-approved and expedited travel.
• Ages 16 to 18 do not need a passport for re-entry at land and sea points if they are in a school, religious, social or sports group and supervised by an adult; birth certificate or other proof of citizenship is acceptable in such cases.
• Special rules apply when children are traveling with just one parent or with someone who is not their parent or guardian; be sure to check what documentation is needed (written travel permission from the other parent, for example), before your trip.
• Land and sea travelers without the appropriate documents can expect to be delayed upon re-entry to the United States while Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify identity and citizenship.
Information
For complete details on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and new passport requirements, check the U.S. State Department Web site at http://travel.state.gov/passport or www.getyouhome.gov . By phone, try the National Passport Information Center, 877-487-2778.
