WHTI Passport Requirements for
International Travel
Registration Information
Beginning January 23, 2007, due to the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), the US government requires a passport for all US citizens traveling by air within North America. This change in international regulations comes from the Department of Homeland Security for the purposes of ensuring aviation safety and security. This change facilitates entry into, and exit from the United States for U.S. citizens, as well as foreign visitors. The passport is the document of choice right now because of security features and general availability.
Individuals traveling internationally within North America are encouraged to obtain a passport. This change also affects certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States-namely Canadian citizens, Mexican citizens, and citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda. For current information and updates on possible alternative documents, please go to the U.S. Department of State website at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html#8 .
For further information on acquiring a passport, please visit:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
(U.S)
http://www.ppt.gc.ca (Canada)
http://www.sre.gob.mx/pasaportes (Mexico)
