The WHTI: Does It Mean You Need an Expedited Passport?

The WHTI: Does It Mean You Need an Expedited Passport

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The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, or WHTI, is a relatively recent law that governs the documentation that travelers need to present to return from Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean. It was passed to help tighten up security on the US border.

The first phase of the WHTI became effective on January 23, 2007. It required everyone to have a US passport book to fly internationally, even if they were only going to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean. For international air travel, passports are required even for babies.

About a year later, in 2008, the government stopped accepting verbal declarations of citizenship along the border, instead requiring photo ID and proof of citizenship, such as birth certificate, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship.

Then, on June 1, 2009, the final phase of the WHTI became effective. Now, in order to return home from Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean by land or by sea, you need one of the following documents:

A US passport book

A US passport card

An enhanced driver's license with an RFID chip (only some states issue these)

A NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI card

However, there are a couple of exceptions. For example, you can still use your birth certificate and driver's license if you are sailing on a closed-loop cruise, one that begins and ends at the same US port. Also, children under the age of 16 can use their birth certificate for land or sea travel to WHTI countries, as can children under the age of 19 traveling with an organized group such as a school group, church group or sports team.

Remember, though, that everyone, no matter how old, needs a passport for air travel to these countries. The exceptions are for land or sea travel only. If you have a trip planned and you don't have a passport yet, you should consider applying for an expedited passport. Expedited passport processing is available for an additional $60 when you submit your application, and cuts processing time down to 3 weeks. For faster turnaround time for your expedited passport you can make an appointment at a passport agency office, or order expedited passport services from a private passport expediter.

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