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Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). BACKGROUND. The WHTI is a U.S. legislated requirement for entry into the U.S. stemming from the 9/11 Commission Report and t he (U.S.) Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (2004)

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Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

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  1. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

  2. BACKGROUND • The WHTI is a U.S. legislated requirement for entry into the U.S. stemming from the 9/11 Commission Report and the (U.S.) Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (2004) • Requires all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a passport or other approved secure document that establishes citizenship and identity when entering the U.S. • This law does not affect entry requirements into Canada

  3. WHTI– Air Mode • Since January 23, 2007, all Canadian citizens must present one of the following valid documents for travel to, through, or from the U.S. by air: • passport; or • NEXUS card when used at kiosks at designated airports for entry into the U.S. • NEXUS card when returning to Canada from the U.S. at any U.S. airport.

  4. WHTI Land & Water • Phased implementation commenced January 31, 2008 until May 31, 2009. • As of June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens must present one of the following valid documents: • a passport; • a NEXUS card • a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card; or • an EDL/EIC, in provinces and territories where U.S. approved programs are implemented. • for those 15 years old and under, only proof of Canadian citizenship (such as a birth certificate or a citizenship card); or • for those 18 years old and under travelling with school or other organized groups, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, only proof of Canadian citizenship (such as a birth certificate or a citizenship card). • The Government of Canada is seeking approval from the U.S. to accept the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status as a WHTI-compliant document.

  5. Passport Canada Update • The WHTI Air Rule resulted in exceptional demand for passports in Canada • As of today, passport offices can process in-person applications within 2 weeks plus delivery time • It may take up to 4 weeks to process applications sent by mail within Canada • New, simplified process for passport renewals and simplified guarantor policy were implemented in the fall of 2007 • For more information, please visit www.pptc.gc.ca.

  6. Alternative Documents: NEXUS • NEXUS meets the requirements of WHTI and is an alternative document to a passport for Canadian citizens entering the U.S. by air, land and water. • NEXUS is a joint Canada/U.S. initiative designed to expedite the border clearance process for low risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the U.S. • NEXUS members can benefit from dedicated lanes by land, self-service kiosks by air and telephone reporting in advance of arrival for boaters in the marine mode • The cost of NEXUS is $50 CAD/USD • For more information: www.nexus.gc.ca

  7. NEXUS Sites NEXUS Ports of entry Edmonton Vancouver Calgary Woodstock, NB / Houlton, ME Winnipeg Coutts AB / Sweetgrass MT Fort Frances, ON / International Falls MN • Pacific Highway BC / Blaine WA • Boundary Bay BC / Point Roberts WA • Douglas BC / Peace Arch WA Montreal Halifax Emerson MB / Pembina, ND Ottawa Sault Ste. Marie, ON / Sault. Ste. Marie, MI • Lacolle QC / Champlain NY • St. Armand-Philipsburg QC / Highgate Springs VT Toronto Sarnia ON / Port Huron MI • The Bluewater Bridge Niagara ON / Niagara NY • The Whirlpool Bridge • The Peace Bridge • The Rainbow Bridge Windsor ON / Detroit MI • The Ambassador Bridge • The International Tunnel NEXUS Air NEXUS Highway NEXUS Marine – covers all Canada / US waterways

  8. Alternative Documents: Free and Secure Trade (FAST) • FAST meets the requirements of WHTI and is an alternative document to a passport for Canadian citizens entering the U.S. by land and water only • FAST is a joint Canada/U.S. commercial initiative to expedite the movement of authorised goods across the border and is available at 21 land border crossings • The cost of FAST is $50 CAD/USD • For more information: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/menu-eng.html

  9. Alternative Documents: EDL/EIC The Government of Canada’s cooperation and negotiations with the U.S. have led to acceptance of the EDL/EIC as an alternative to the passport in the land and water modes.

  10. Alternative Documents: EDL/EIC • The EDL/EIC are secure documents for Canadian and U.S. citizens denoting citizenship and identity that meet the requirements for travel to the U.S. by land and water only • The U.S. will review each province, territory and state’s EDL/EIC proposal to ensure that they meet WHTI standards • The EDL/EIC contains Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) that will facilitate crossing the U.S. border

  11. PT EDL/EIC Issuance Status

  12. U.S. State EDL/EIC Issuance Status

  13. Alternative Documents:Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) • The CIS is an official form of identification issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) to a person who is registered as an Indian under the provisions of the Indian Act. • Under the transitional provisions in place until May 31, 2009, the U.S. will accept the current CIS card. • We are negotiating with the U.S. DHS for the new Secure CIS to receive approval as a WHTI-compliant document. • INAC expects to have the new SCIS available for issuance in time for the implementation of WHTI in June 2009.

  14. U.S. Passport Card • The U.S. has developed a wallet-sized Passport Card available to U.S. citizens only and valid for land and water travel only • Production of cards began July 14, 2008. • Approximately 870,000 passport cards in circulation today. • The Passport Card contains the same data as a passport.

  15. A Closer Look at WHTI Compliant Documents

  16. What is Canada doing? • Our Government has been working to ensure that legitimate trade and travel across our borders are not interrupted as a result of the U.S. WHTI • CBSA will continue to inform external stakeholders, partners and public of these document requirements and new developments • CBSA will ensure that Border Services Officers in Canada are provided with timely information on new WHTI compliant documents coming into circulation.

  17. Port of Entry Tear-Away

  18. Questions? • For more information on WHTI, please visit:www.cbsa.gc.ca • For more information on U.S. travel requirements, please visit: www.dhs.gov www.cbp.gov www.knowyourborder.gov www.getyouhome.gov • For more information on obtaining a Canadian passport, please visit: www.pptc.gc.ca

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