Identity requirements for foreign travel

I was recently asked about foreign travel and what documents were required. Today it is a two part answer based on when you are planning to travel.

Currently ALL U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean by land or sea.

Acceptable documents include: U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an identification and citizenship document; for example, a driver’s license and a copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

Unless the federal government changes its position again on June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

For additional information on travel documentation requirement you can visit http://www.travel.state.gov/travel. Locally most post offices can also answer questions and process your passport applications.

Got travel questions? Email thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.

Happy travels!