NEW INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 8, 2007
The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced today
that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and
Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can
nevertheless temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through Sept. 30, 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions for Americans with pending passport
applications are available at:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3254.html
OBTAINING PROOF OF PASSPORT APPLICATION:
If Americans who applied for a passport are traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda only, and they have not yet received their passports, they may be able to travel under the temporary flexible guidelines described in this new announcement. They need to:
* Go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.
* Follow the instructions to provide the requested information.
* Print out this confirmation document; it will serve as official proof of a pending passport application.
Remember:
Applicants will need to present this proof of application to:
* Airline representatives when entering and departing the United States; and
* U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers when re-entering the United States.
Citizens over age 16 must also carry a government-issued photo
identification card, such as a driver's license or military i.d.
Travelers must still meet the entry requirements of the country they are visiting. Americans traveling to a country that requires visitors to have a passport must obtain their passport. Information on international entry requirements is available at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html#a.
TIPS FOR NEW PASSPORT APPLICANTS
* It currently takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks to process,
issue, and deliver passports.
* If you may need to travel within that twelve week timeframe, you should consider requesting Expedited Passport Service. If you choose Expedited Service, please be sure to enclose the required fees and write "EXPEDITED" on the outside of the envelope.
* Include in your application the dates and destinations for
anticipated travel.
* Fully complete the application and check it for accuracy before signing in the presence of the Passport Acceptance Agent.
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Q1) What is the WHTI?
A1) The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. initiative that will require all travellers, including Canadians, to carry a valid passport or other appropriate secure document when travelling to the United States from within the western hemisphere.
Q2) When will the WHTI be implemented?
A2) The WHTI will be implemented in two phases.
The first phase will come into effect on January 23, 2007, and will affect travel to the United States by air only.
The second phase will affect all other modes of travel including land and sea.
The U.S. Congress passed an amendment granting permission to delay the implementation of the WHTI until June 1, 2009, or until three months after the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security have jointly certified that specific security criteria for travel documents have been established.
This means that the WHTI could be fully implemented before June 1, 2009, if all the criteria are met.
Q3) What do Canadians need in order to travel to the United States?
A3) As of January 23, 2007, Canadians will require one of the following to travel to the United States by air:
• A valid passport; or
• A NEXUS Air membership when used at a NEXUS Air kiosk.
The United States has yet to release the rules for land and sea travel; however, a passport will be valid for all modes of travel under the WHTI.
Currently, Canadians do not require a passport to travel to the United States by land or sea. Canadians can travel to the United States by these modes of travel by providing proof of citizenship and identity, such as a birth certificate and government-issued photo identification (e.g. driver’s licence).
Q4) What do I need to travel to the United States over the 2006–2007 holiday season?
A4) Before January 23, 2007, Canadians can travel to the United States by all modes of travel by simply providing proof of citizenship and identity, such as a birth certificate and government-issued photo identification (e.g. driver’s licence). On January 23, 2007, only requirements for travel by air to the United States will change. Canadians can continue to use such documents as their birth certificates and driver’s licences to travel to the United States by land and sea for at least another year.
Q5) How do I get a passport?
A5) An application form for a Canadian passport can be obtained through any of the following options:
• By downloading a form from Passport Canada’s Web site at www.passportcanada.gc.ca;
• By picking up an application form in person at a Passport Canada service location, Service Canada centre or Canada Post outlet; or
• By using Passport On-line, available at www.passportcanada.gc.ca. This service is only available to Canadians 16 years of age or older.
A passport application can be submitted
• In person at a Passport Canada office or at a receiving agent
• By mail to:
Passport Canada
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Gatineau, QC
K1A 0G3
• By courier to:
Passport Canada
70 Crémazie Street
Gatineau, QC
J8Y 3P2
A complete checklist that identifies the steps in the passport application process, as well as the location of Passport Canada offices and Canada Post / Service Canada receiving agents, is available at www.passportcanada.gc.ca or by calling toll-free 1-800-567-6868.
Q7) Will travellers need a passport to enter or re-enter Canada?
A7) The WHTI is a U.S. initiative; the document requirements to enter Canada have not changed.
Q8) Why is the United States implementing the WHTI?
A8) The United States is implementing the WHTI to increase border security. The initiative stems from the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which is based on the 9/11 Commission Report.
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