As many families already know, since January 23, 2007, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) has required all U.S. citizens, of any age, traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to reenter the U.S. with a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

On January 31, 2008, the rules changed again. Since that time, U.S., Canadian or Bermudian travelers seeking to enter or re-enter the U.S. by sea and/or land have been required to present a valid government issued ID and a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or baptismal record. This includes all cruise ship passengers.

For information about what documents are required for a U.S. resident to enter any foreign country, contact the embassy or consulate general of the country you intend to travel to. It is important to understand that some Western Hemisphere countries require you to have a passport for entry into their country, even though the U.S. does not require you to have one to re-enter the U.S.

The Canadian government has fought for an exemption to the WHTI rules; through June 1, 2009, minors under 19 will be able to cross the U.S. - Canada border at land and sea ports with only a certified copy of their birth certificate. The Department of Homeland Security DHS website offers specific guidelines regarding required documentation from all types of travelers.

What's next? The DHS was hoping to require a biometric passport from all sea and land travelers of any age by summer, but that's been postponed till June 1, 2009 because Congress felt the DHS would not be ready to implement new passports or enforce new rules.

As it has always been, American citizens of any age traveling outside the Western Hemisphere to any other country in the world must present a passport.

In order to facilitate the process for US citizens who commute internationally on a daily basis, the DHS is exploring Registered Traveler Cards that would allow DHS to prescreen frequent travelers. Several states are also testing a driver's license type document that could be issued to all U.S. citizens as a lower cost alternative to a passport (now US$100).

With several programs in effect and more changes to come from the WHTI, we recommend you begin applying for a passport right now.

Click on this link for more information on applying for a U.S. Passport for adults and children.

To learn more about the US-Visit program read FTF's special report, "Coming to America" or watch the DHS video.

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