The WHTI is a U.S. law that requires all travellers, including Canadians, to present a valid passport or other secure document when travelling to, or through, the U.S from within the western hemisphere.

The new document requirements were implemented for air travel to the U.S. in January 2007. Canadians must present a valid passport or NEXUS card (when used at designated airports) when departing from or arriving in the United States at air ports of entry.

We would like to remind you that effective January 31, 2008 the U.S. will begin phasing in WHTI requirements by identifying new document requirements for entry into the U.S. by land and water. Additional information on the document requirements for entry into the U.S. by land and water are available on the CBSA website [link] . Final document requirements for travel by land and water will be implemented no earlier than June 1, 2009.

Canada’s first Enhanced Driver’s Licence (EDL) will soon be available in British Columbia in a test phase commencing on January 21, 2008. The objective of the EDL is to introduce an alternative commonly held and secure document for Canadians (and Americans) to allow for more convenient and spontaneous travel by land and water. [link] .

For additional information on the EDL program, or to access the online WHTI tourism toolkit, please visit the CBSA Website.
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