Press Releases 07
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
Images of Documents That Travelers Will Need (pdf - 985 KB) |
