Planning on traveling to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico or Canada soon after June 1, 2009. You will want to know about the Western Hemisphere Journey Initiative (WHTI). Starting June 1, 2009, all U.Ersus. citizens must show evidence of U.S. citizenship when coming into the United States from Canada, South america, Bermuda and Caribbean countries, regardless of whether your travels are by simply air, sea (such as a luxury crusie ship), or land (such as from Canada or Mexico).

What Files will you need to Show Proof of Ough.S. citizenship.
The best single form of identification and citizenship is a You.S. passport, which is required for global air travel. For U.S. citizens traveling by marine or land, a U.S. Passport Card or an Increased Driver's License, available in some border states, are also acceptable travel documents.

Although previously U.Ersus. adult citizens could current a driver's license and a birth record as acceptable travel documents, after June 1, 2009 these will no longer be appropriate for entry back into the U . s ..

For U.S. citizens under the age of 16, birth certificates will continue acceptable for land or seashore travel, but a passport will be required for international air travel.

All id documents must include your identify, a photo and your date of birth.

What could be the Goal of WHTI.
The WHTI will help assist in entry for U.Ersus. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors into the United States. If you have travelled internationally before, you had been probably asked to show the U.S. passport upon re-entering in the United States. For many years, U.S. citizens have not been required to found a passport or identification to penetrate or re-enter the United States. The WHTI simply assures that all U.Ersus. citizens have valid paperwork.
- Fact: The WHTI is a result of your Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Elimination Act of 2004. It's going to enable the Department of Birthplace Security to identify travelers as well as help strengthen border safety.

Getting a Passport to Comply with WHTI:
If you're travelling to and from North america, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda over the following three months, it's best to apply for your own passport to comply with WHTI.

If you are applying for your first U.S. passport or perhaps are under age 16, you should apply for a U.S. passport face-to-face. You can locate the storage room Passport Acceptance Facility or Passport Firm online from the U.Utes. Department of State's internet site. When you apply for your new passport, you may be required to complete Form DS-11, offer additional identity documentation (ex lover. a birth certificate) and provide the social security number.

If you need to re-apply for a new passport or renew your aged passport, you will be required to fill out Variety DS-82. You can apply for a new passport through mail or online, and it's also often easier to reapply for any passport online. When you apply for a passport on the web, you do not have to wait for your varieties to be sent via snail mail. Furthermore, you can often track the progress on the processing of your passport online.

Check Current Travel Documents for WHTI Compliance:
Do you need to get a new passport. If you already have a passport, make sure it is still valid.

Reasons you may need to Re-new your Passport:
- It was issued over 15 years ago
- It is damaged
- It was given when you were under Of sixteen years old
- It does not have your current name (if you were married or perhaps changed your name legally)

Once you have determined if you need to apply for a fresh passport or renew your current passport, fill out the appropriate application ASAP due to the fact processing times for this kind of travel documents may be more than a month.

How long does it choose to use Process an Application.
According to the U.S. Department of Express, processing times for passport applications are approximately 4-6 weeks. .

If you already own a valid, up-to-date Ough.S. passport, the Western Hemisphere Take a trip Initiative will not affect you. However, if you are making summertime plans to visit another country or take a cruise, make sure you have a U.S. passport. While using Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative starting on June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens coming into or re-entering the United States will be forced to provide a U.S. passport or another approved documentation.

Additional information about WHTI passport requirements and WHTI - Western Hemisphere Journey Initiative compliant documents is available online.