Homeland Security Reminds Of New Document Requirements For New Year

By Miguel Martinez

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and State reminded travelers that all adults will be required to present proof of citizenship and proof of identitywhen entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry.

Effective January 31, 2008 documentation such as a birth certificate, for citizenship and a driver’s license to verify identity will be required when entering the country. The new practice is in preparation for implementing changes recommended by the 9/11 Commission and delineated in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).

Currently, Customs and Border Protection agents are allowed to accept oral declarations of citizenship from U.S. and Canadian residents seeking to enter the United States. As of January 31, 2008.

Oral declarations of citizenship alone will NO longer be accepted U.S. and Canadian citizens aged 19 or over will need to present a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth or naturalization certificate Children aged 18 or younger 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

All existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will remain unchanged.

For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport visit http://www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778.