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As of January 31, 2008, adult U.S. citizen travelers who are
seeking to enter the United States by land or sea
must present both (1) proof of citizenship and (2) proof of
identity in order to be admitted into the United States. This
requirement results from new provisions of the Western Hemisphere
Travel Initiative.
Examples of acceptable proof of citizenship include a U.S.
birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, or U.S.
passport, either currently valid or expired. Examples of proof
of identity include a passport, state-issued driver’s license
or identification, or a SENTRI/NEXUS/FAST card.
As of January 31, 2008, oral declarations of citizenship
alone will no longer be acceptable for admission into the
United States.
Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present
proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
Click here to read the public announcement about implementation of this
new entry requirement.
Click here for general information about the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative.
Travel by air
The first phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
which requires U.S. citizens traveling to the United States
by air to have a passport remains in effect. All U.S. citizens
must present a passport in order to board a U.S.-bound flight.
Click here for the passport requirement for air travelers.
Mexican citizens
Entry requirements to the United States for Mexican citizens
remain unaffected by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
Mexican visitors traveling by land or sea
must have a passport and nonimmigrant visa or Form DSP-150
(also known as a "Laser Visa"). Form DSP-150 is
a biometric, machine readable, B1-B2 Visa/border crossing
card that may be used to enter the United States from within
the Western Hemisphere. Mexican citizens traveling by air
must also have their valid Mexican passport in addition
to their visa document.
Mexican citizens who are also legal permanent residents
of the United States may enter the United States by land,
sea or air with their Alien Registration Card (“green card.”).
A Mexican passport is not necessary when entering the United
States.
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