WHTI | Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative [Header]

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires U.S. and Canadian travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. It is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA).

The goal of WHTI is to facilitate entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors, while strengthening U.S. border security. Standard documentation will enable the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.

WHTI went into effect June 1, 2009 for land and sea travel into the U.S. WHTI document requirements for air travel went into effect in 2007.

For current travel document requirements, click here

Document requirements for Mexican citizens are not impacted by WHTI.Mexican citizen visitors, including children, are required to present a passport with a nonimmigrant visa or a laser visa Border Crossing Card to cross the U.S. border. This requirement applies to SENTRI program members as well.

Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States: Document requirements for Lawful Permanent Residents are not changed under WHTI. Lawful Permanent Residents are required to present their permanent resident card (Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence status. A passport is not required for entry into the United States.

For more information, go to: www.cbp.gov/travel

Los ciudadanos mexicanos no han sido afectados por los nuevos requisitos de la Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Todos los ciudadanos mexicanos visitantes, incluidos los menores de edad, deben presentar su pasaporte junto con una visa de no inmigrante o una visa láser de cruce fronterizo (incluidos los miembros del programa SENTRI) para cruzar la frontera hacia los Estados Unidos.

Para más información, vista: www.cbp.gov/travel

Residentes legales permanentes de los Estados Unidos: Los requisitos de documentación aplicables a residentes legales permanentes no cambiaron al amparo de la iniciativa WHTI. Los residentes legales permanentes pueden seguir utilizando su tarjeta de residencia permanente (Forma I-551) u otra constancia válida de residencia permanente. Un pasaporte no es requerido para entrar a los Estados Unidos.

Para más información, vista: www.cbp.gov/travel

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