The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. law that requires all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere. The U.S. WHTI is being implemented in stages by mode of transportation. The new document requirements were implemented for air travel in January 2007. Final document requirements for those seeking to enter the United States at land or water ports of entry will take effect June 1, 2009.
Land and Water Travel to the United States as of June 1, 2009 Upon full implementation of the U.S. WHTI on June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens will be required to present one of the following valid U.S. WHTI-compliant documents when entering the United States by land or water:
At this time, the new secure Certificate of Indian Status card has not yet received U.S. government approval as a WHTI-compliant document for entry when the full land and water rules are implemented on June 1, 2009. The Government of Canada continues to work with the U.S. government to ensure that this card will be accepted as a WHTI-compliant document for entry by land and water. For more information on the Certificate of Indian Status card, visit Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s Web site (www.inac.gc.ca). Canadian citizens 15 years of age or under will only require proof of citizenship, such as an original or a copy of a birth certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or 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.
For complete information on document requirements go to cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/menu-eng.html