REMINDER: New Passport Rules for Canada, Mexico and More in June

February 16, 2009 | Posted in: Educate Yourself, News, Passport

This is important passport info – even if you’re traveling by CAR. Starting June 1, 2009, you will need a passport – or another new document – to return to the U.S. by land or sea — from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda. You will need one of the following (and complete details are here): Passport Passport Card (NEW) Enhanced Driver’s License (currently only available from Washington and New York states, but coming soon to Arizona, Vermont and Michigan) Trusted Traveler Card (used by frequent border crossers) Note: Children under age 16 will need proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). ADVICE: Don’t delay. If you know you’ll be traveling to these countries this summer, get to work on getting the documents you need now. The last time we had changes in passport rules, there were all kinds of delays – and those who waited ’til the last minute were out of luck.

4 Responses to “REMINDER: New Passport Rules for Canada, Mexico and More in June”

1. Elliot says:

   February 16, 2009 at 2:52 pm

   For those in Canada, British Columbia also has a pilot program testing EDL’s that will be valid to cross by land, and the program is expected to expand this spring. Ontario is also going to have EDL’s that you can use to cross the border at some point.

   Also note to those with trusted traveler cards, I have been advised to always carry a passport when using my Nexus card, in case. Long story short, many customs and immigration personal don’t like the cards alone, and you could run into a bit of trouble if you don’t show a passport if you are asked for it, despite the fact the Nexus (and other trusted traveller) cards are supposed to be WHTI compliant.
2. Steve says:

   February 17, 2009 at 8:46 pm

   I have a passport issued 2 years ago. Do I now need this “Passport Card”? What is a passport card?
3. Andy says:

   February 19, 2009 at 11:38 am

   Steve,

   A passport is fine. A passport card is as ’secure’ as a passport (book) but doesn’t have any pages (it’s only a card) and costs less. It’s of value only when you go to certain countries, ex. Canada. It won’t help you if you go to, say, Europe
4. Rebeca says:

   March 7, 2009 at 8:45 pm

   How will this be a change? My understanding is that you must have a passport to get into the other countries. So if you have it for that then you obviously have one to return to th U.S.