The WHTI is part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which was passed in response to the terrorist attack of 9/11. The goal of this legislation is to strengthen the borders while also facilitating entry for U.S. citizens.
The WHTI was implemented in three phases. Beginning January 23, 2007, persons traveling by air between the U.S., Canada, Bermuda and Mexico were required to present passports. On January 28, 2008, U.S. Customs and Border Protection ceased accepting oral declarations of citizenship at land and seaport entries. The final phase was implemented on June 1, 2009, making a passport or other compliant document a requirement for travel by land or sea between the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Bermuda.
A passport is the best form of identification when traveling abroad, even to Mexico. With the new WHTI requirements, a passport, or alternative accepted document is required even when driving across the border into Mexico. Applying for a passport is easy. The cost is $100 for an adult and it is valid for 10 years.
To apply for a passport, you will need the following items:
Completed form DS-11.
• Evidence of citizenship (which can include a previously issued passport, certified birth certificate, certification of birth, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship.
• Present identification (which can include a driver's license, military ID, previous passport, current government ID or naturalization certificate).
• Two passport photos (color photos, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within last six months).
For more details and to begin the passport process visit www.travel.state.gov/passport.
A passport card proves U.S. citizenship with the convenience of a wallet-sized card. It is only valid for land and sea travel from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. It contains an electronic chip that allows immigration officials access to your biographical information from a secure government database. The passport card offers the advantage of cost. It's only $45 compared to $100 for a passport.
The SENTRI program allows for expedited border patrol processing for those low-risk travelers who have been preapproved. Those wishing to gain access to the program must pass a background check through law enforcement agencies and customs and immigration and undergo a 10-fingerprint law enforcement check and an interview with border patrol agents. Those approved receive a Radio Frequency Identification Card (RFID), which identifies the participant, with all relevant information, to border patrol officers. Although the process of gaining access to the system can be time and labor intensive and the cost is $122.25 per person, the convenience and time saved at border crossings in California and Texas into Mexico can make the program well worth it for those who routinely drive to Mexico. Applications can be made online at www.cbp.gov.
