The U.S. Department of State has recently come out with new passport requirements that will take effect on June 1, 2009. It is known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Currently a US citizens traveling by air from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must present a U.S. passport when entering the U.S. and any U.S. citizen traveling back from these areas via land or sea ports-of-entry is only required to have a government issued photo id (drivers license) and a proof of citizenship (birth certificate) at a minimum.
This air travel rule will remain, but the new rules (effective 6/1/2009) state that a U.S. citizen traveling over land or via sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda "must present a valid U.S. passport book, U.S. passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security." This new rule will not depend upon age! Every U.S. citizen from day 1 on this earth will need to have the documents in order to re-enter the U.S.
The new Passport Card can be used for entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. The card is wallet sized and is less expensive than the Passport Book. Note: The Passport Card cannot be used for international air travel.
The State Department has said they are doing this to "standardize secure travel documents which was passed into law in 2004. It will also help U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to more quickly and reliably ID and process travelers.
For more information contact the state department at 1-877-487-2778 or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov
If you have a home anywhere in the Charleston Metro Area and would like to get more information about selling your home, please contact me for a free home evaluation.
I also work with buyers. If you are interested in more information about buying a home please contact me and I would be glad to meet with you or email you a list of homes.
Michael J. Johnson, Realtor, ABR
843-817-5299
michaeljohnson@carolinaone.com
"Providing the Light to Guide You Home"
