The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires U.S. and Canadian individuals who travel between the United States and other countries by air and other modes to possess a valid passport. This includes United States citizens and other people who travel to the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda and countries in other hemispheres. The purpose of this law is to enhance the ability of citizens and visitors to enter the country.
Regulations state that all domestic airline passengers over the age of 16 must have a valid form of identification that has the same information given for the ticket purchase. Legitimate forms of IDs include passports, state-issued identifications cards and driver's licenses, military IDs and Native American tribal identification cards. The credentials should contain the person's name, gender, date of birth and an expiration date.
Air travelers cannot smoke on scheduled-service flights on domestic or international commercial aircrafts. Some charter flights may permit smoking in a declared smoking section; however, if a passenger boards within the airline's check-in period, and requests seating in a particular area of the plane, the airline staff must accommodate the person if he or she wishes for a non-smoking environment. The law prohibits pipe and cigar smoking on all flights. Charter airlines operating a demand-air service do not have to abide by these restrictions.
United States citizens, resident aliens, Canadian residents and individuals entering the United States through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must fill out a document called an I-94 when leaving the U.S. All travelers, with the exception of those listed above, must fill out and turn in the I-94 form before entering the United States. Any person who does not turn in an I-94 upon leaving the country should do so upon his or her return. VWP travelers must receive prior authorization to enter the United States through the Electronic System for Trial Authorization (ESTA) or risk denial of boarding.
The rules for visas or other documentation differ from country to country. Some nations require travelers to have a visa before entry the country. Other forms of documentation air travelers may need to have handy include proof of finances for the expected length of visitation, a hotel confirmation and a receipt or itinerary to prove onward travel to another destination.
