New passport requirement at U.S. border kicks in next Monday

News Release
Canada Border Services Agency

As of June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens will be required to present one of the following valid WHTI-compliant documents when entering the United States by land or water:
*a passport;
* a NEXUS card;
*a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card;
*an enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province where a U.S.-approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented; or
*a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (when this certificate is available and approved by the United States).
Note: Canadian citizens entering the United States by land but exiting by air must present a valid passport or a NEXUS card in compliance with U.S. air exit requirements. Refer to the air travel requirements for more information.
Canadian citizens 15 years of age or under will only require proof of Canadian citizenship, such as an original or a photocopy of a birth certificate, or a 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 Canadian citizenship alone.
The United States has indicated that it will take a common sense approach to implementing the WHTI at its land and water ports of entry, which includes a period of flexibility after June 1, 2009. The Government of Canada cautions travellers that the length and extent of this flexibility is entirely at the discretion of U.S. officials.
Current U.S. entry requirements for Canadian citizens travelling by land or water.
Entry requirements to the United States have not changed for non-Canadian citizens, including permanent residents residing in Canada. For more information on U.S. entry requirements, consult the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Web site.