US PASSPORT ISSUE (WESTERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INITIATIVE)

Issue: US Citizens soon to need a passport to travel to Canada, Mexico & the Caribbean

What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)?

Until now, American citizens only needed proof of citizenship to re-enter the USA after travel to neighbouring countries e.g. Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. A passport was required for travel to other continents. As a result, only approximately 10% of the US population currently holds a passport.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is designed to tighten up US border security in the wake of 11 September 2001. It requires all travellers, including US citizens, to and from the Americas, the Caribbean and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the Unites States. WHTI was launched by the U.S. State & Homeland Security Departments in April 2005.

• 31 December 2005 for the Caribbean
• 31 December 2006 for air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada
• 31 December 2007 for all border crossings regardless of destination or method of travel.

However WHTI generated considerable reaction in both the United States and in the Caribbean, Canada & Mexico, with government and private sector officials in these countries lobbying strongly against the measure’s potentially devastating economic effects. As a result, new deadlines were set as follows:

• 31 December 2006 for all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central & South American, the Caribbean and Bermuda
• 31 December 2007 for all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.

In fact, in May 2006 the US Senate approved an amendment that – if it becomes law – would delay to June 2009 implementation of the plan requiring passports or other government approved documentation for all modes of travel.
Currently the WHTI legislation is part of the Immigration Bill which is not expected to pass before Congress recesses or the November 2006 election.
The WHTI legislation could however pass in the form of a government Appropriations Bill.

What kind of documentation will be acceptable?
PASS

• In January 2006 the US Departments of State and Homeland Security approved plans to develop an inexpensive, biometric passport card as an alternative to a traditional passport book. PASS (People Access Security Service) cards for all US citizens will be accepted in lieu of a passport at all land-border crossings. These are expected to be issued by end 2006.
• Other documents considered for acceptance are SENTRI, NEXUS or FAST cards. (see http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html)

Exceptions to WHTI

WHTI will not apply to travel between the US and its territories – Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Island and American Samoa.

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