3 January 2006

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative – Revised Deadline Reminder

The following news release was issued by US Customs and Border Protection on 30 December 2005.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reminding travelers that the December 31, 2005 deadline for implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) has been eliminated. This change will simplify the implementation process and provide a longer lead-time for travelers to come into compliance with the requirements.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require travelers within the Western Hemisphere to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. The proposed deadlines are as follows:

· December 31, 2006 – Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

· December 31, 2007 – Requirement extended to land border crossings.

U.S. citizens returning from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Americas currently are able to enter the U.S. by providing proof of nationality, such as a birth certificate, and government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license. Canadian citizens and citizens of Bermuda still need to provide adequate evidence of citizenship and identity. Citizens of other countries in the Western Hemisphere can check with the State Department to verify travel document requirements by visiting www.travel.state.gov. …