Travel Tips & Trends

Border crossings to change

Starting June 1, 2009, travelers entering the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean will need to prove both citizenship and identity using one document. For U.S. citizens, this means a driver's license or birth certificate is no longer sufficient for re-entry.

Documents that can be used by returning U.S. citizens will include a U.S. passport, the new Passport Card, an Enhanced Driver's License from those states that issue them, or a Trusted Traveler Program Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST).

The change to land and sea border crossing requirements comes as the final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a result of the 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act. The documentation requirements have been in place for air travelers since 2007.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched a website with details of the new requirements. The website, www.GetYouHome.gov, outlines what documents are needed for land, air and sea travel. Potential travelers are encouraged to apply for the document that best suits their needs, if they do not already have one. Passport applications can also be obtained at any AAA office locations.