The latest regulations from U.S. Customs and Border Protection explain some of the alternate identification being accepted for international border crossings in the WHTI.

This description of alternative identification being accepted for border crossings within the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) countries may be helpful and cost efficient for families. Read on to see if any of your family members qualify, and learn more at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. Information valid as of February 2010.

U.S. Passport Card

The U.S. Passport Card is a limited-use international travel document valid for entry into the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. It is not valid for international air travel.

Cost: $45 (Age 16 & Older)
$35 (Under Age 16)
$20 (If requested with a new or renewed passport)

Please visit the State Department's website at www.travel.state.gov for passport card fees.

Validity: 10 years for adults
5 years for children under age 16

Issued by: U.S. Department of State

Limitations: Not valid for international air travel

Info: www.travel.state.gov

Questions: Contact National Passport Information Center

(877) 4-USA-PPT
TDD/TTY (888) 874-7793

U.S. Passport

The U.S. Passport is an internationally recognized travel document that denotes a bearer’s identity and citizenship. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea, per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Cost: $100 (Age 16 & Older)
$85 (Under Age 16) -->Please visit the State Department's website at www.travel.state.gov for passport fees.

Validity: 10 years for adults
5 years for children under age 16

Issued by: U.S. Department of State

Info: www.travel.state.gov

Questions: Contact National Passport Information Center

(877) 4-USA-PPT
TDD/TTY (888) 874-7793

To learn more about how to acquire a U.S. passport for yourself and family members, in the quickest and least expensive manner, read FTF's guide "Passport To Adventure."