PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Travel Document Entry Requirements for U.S. and Canadian Citizens to Apply at Land and Sea Borders from January 31, 2008
Mexico City, December 5, 2007 – The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City wishes to remind the traveling public that as of January 31, 2008, adult travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda without a valid passport will be required to present both proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry. This requirement results from implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and applies to U.S., Canadian and Bermudian citizens.
Currently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may accept oral declarations of citizenship from U.S. and Canadian citizens seeking entry into the United States through a land or sea border. However, as of January 31, 2008:
- Oral declarations of citizenship alone will no longer be acceptable;
- U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate;
- Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate;
- Passports and trusted traveler program cards - NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST - will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel.
Aside from U.S., Canadian, and Bermudian citizens, document requirements for other travelers will not be affected by this change. All travelers arriving in the U.S. by air must present a valid passport. There is NO change in entry requirements for Mexican nationals.
For more information on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and acceptable travel documents for entry into the United States of America, please see the joint press release from the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security at:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/dec/96151.htm http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1196711811270.shtm.
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