The United States government now requires all citizens of Bermuda, Canada, Mexico and the United States to present a passport that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality in order to enter or re-enter the United States. Unless you are a frequent international traveller and participate in an existing U.S. border identity program, you will require a passport. Documents such as birth certificates, citizenship cards, driver’s licences and provincial health cards will soon no longer be accepted by U.S. border agents. June 1, 2009 – All travellers will be required to present a valid passport for either land or sea travel to the United States. For land crossings, children under the age of 15 require a birth certificate only. January 31, 2008 – All travellers are required to present either a document, such as a passport, or government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s licence, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Only such documents will be accepted as valid identification for all land border crossings as well as sea travel to the United States. For land border crossings only, passports will not be required for children under the age of 16 who are accompanied by an adult. They will be required to present a birth certificate. January 23, 2007 – A passport is required for all air travel to the United States. If you are travelling to the United States with a child, you should also carry documentation proving your custodial rights, particularly for very young children. If a child, younger than 18 years, is travelling with only one parent or a non-custodial guardian, they must also provide a certified letter of consent proving that travel is permitted by both parents. Additional information you will need to provide when entering the United States Travellers by air, land and sea must also provide documentation regarding their place of residence while in the U.S. This information will be declared on your U.S. Border and Customs manifest. You must be able to provide: Street Address/Hotel Name, City, State and ZIP Code. Notice to holders of Visa Waiver Program country passports (1) Starting January 12, 2009 all travellers wishing to enter or transit through the USA under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization to travel using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Please allow sufficient time when making an ESTA application. It is recommended that such an application be made at least 72 hours before departure. For further information, please click here. Register through ESTA here. (1)Countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom Please consult the Canadian Consular Affairs or U.S. Department of State websites for additional information.

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