Ottawa, Ontario, March 28, 2008 - The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. government's announcement detailing the new document requirements for travel by y land and water to the United States under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
"As of June 1, 2009, Canadian and U.S. citizens will be required to present a valid passport or other acceptable document denoting citizensh ip and identity when entering the United States at land and water ports of entry.
The Government of Canada has been working closely with the U.S. government to ensure that legitimate trade and travel across our borders are not disrupted a s a result of the implementation by the U.S. of this new rule.
Through our hard work and cooperation, negotiations have led to increased flexibility and an exemption for children travelling by land and water to the United States. The U.S. an d Canadian governments are also working together to ensure widespread and consistent communications on both sides of the border.
On June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens will be required to present a valid passport, a NEXUS or FAST card, or ot her acceptable document when seeking to enter the United States at its land and water ports of entry. Canadian citizens 15 years of age and under will only require proof of citizenship, such as an original or a copy of a birth certificate or a Canadia n citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age and under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof of citizenship alone.
As of January 3 1, 2008, Canadian citizens have been required to present documents denoting citizenship and identity when travelling to or through the United States by land and water. This marked the beginning of a transition period toward full WHTI implementation.
The U.S. WHTI requirements for air travel took effect on January 23, 2007, and require Canadian citizens flying to, through or from the United States to present a valid Canadian passport or a valid NEXUS card when used at participating airports.
We continue to encourage all Canadians to get a passport if they plan to travel internationally, including to the United States. A passport is the recommended secure document."
Those wishing more information ma y visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Web site at www.dhs.gov.
For more information, visit the Canada Border Services Agency's Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca.
Information:
CBSA Media Relations
613-957-6500
Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2863
