The requirement for travelers to present a passport to enter the United States when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere took effect on January 23, 2007. This means that all persons -- including U.S. citizens -- traveling by air to the U.S. from destinations such as Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean must have a valid passport to enter the U.S.

(Note: In June 2007, the U.S. State Department announced the temporary Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) accommodation, which allowed U.S. citizens to travel by air within the Western Hemisphere using an official proof of passport application receipt. The WHTI ended as scheduled on Sept. 30, 2007, and the full passport requirements described in this article are in effect.)

Timeline for New Passport and Border Entry Rules

The new passport and border entry requirements are to be implemented in phases. The first phase (effective January 23, 2007) applied only to air travel. The second phase (effective January 31, 2008) affects U.S. citizens seeking entry into the U.S. at the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders. A third phase of passport requirements will extend to all land and sea travel to the U.S., at a date to be determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

Phase 1 - JANUARY 23, 2007: Passport requirement applies to all air travel to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The only air travelers who will be exempted from the new passport requirements are those traveling with a Merchant Mariner's Document or NEXUS Air card.

Phase 2 - JANUARY 31, 2008: U.S. citizens age 19 or older seeking entry into the U.S. at the border must present documentation that proves both identity and citizenship, such as a valid U.S. passport. Identification documents must include a photo, name and date of birth. (See Document Options, from the Department of Homeland Security). Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. For more information on the new border identification requirements, see Travel Document Requirements FAQ from the Department of Homeland Security.

Phase 3 - DATE TO BE DETERMINED: Passport requirements are planned for all travelers seeking entry into the U.S. by land or sea. This page will be updated as new information becomes available.

Getting a Passport

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States. You will need two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver's license. Acceptance facilities include many federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices.

You'll need to apply in person if any of the following apply to you:

• You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time
• Your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession
• Your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago
• Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or
• Your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.

To find out where you can apply for a passport in person, use the U.S. Department of State's Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page. For more information on getting a new passport, go to the U.S. Department of State's website: How to Get a Passport.

Renewal of a U.S. Passport

You can renew your passport by mail if all of the following apply to you:

• Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged
• You received the passport within the past 15 years;
• You were over age 16 when it was issued; and
• You still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.

If your passport has been, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail. You must apply in person.

For more information on how to renew a passport, go to the U.S. Department of State's website: How to Renew a Passport.