Temporary WHTI Accommodation Ends Sep 30, 2007
Posted Sep 14, 2007
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a press release on September 4, 2007, reminding the general public that the temporary Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) accommodation will end as scheduled on September 30, 2007. Under WHTI, U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present their passports when traveling by air. These requirements became effective January 23, 2007. Due to the high demand and the delays in issuing U.S. passports, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the DHS agreed to allow travel under WHTI through September 30, 2007, based upon proof of application for a passport. U.S. citizens who depart the U.S. prior to October 1, 2007 under this travel accommodation will be allowed to return with the same documents, even if they are returning after September 30, 2007.
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About WHTI
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Background and further information on WHTI, are available in our June 15, 2007 MurthyBulletin article, Western Hemisphere Travel Accommodations for Delayed Passports, available on MurthyDotCom. WHTI was mandated by Congress in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. It addresses the findings of the 9/11 Commission and is designed to promote safer travel. It requires a U.S. traveler going to or entering from any neighboring country to present a passport or other approved document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality, in order to enter or reenter the United States.