New passport rules effective in June 2009

The U.S. government will implement its final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative on June 1, 2009, which will require citizens to present a passport book, passport card or other acceptable travel document to enter the United States at all sea or land points of entry.

According to a government press release, the United States passport is an internationally recognized travel document and the premiere proof of the bearer’s U.S. citizenship and identity. It will be required for all international air travel and for travel from foreign countries not included in the passport card.

The passport card is a new travel document option created for the convenience of the frequent travel of U.S. citizens living in border communities by expediting entry and document processing at borders. It is a lower-cost alternative to the traditional passport book and is valid only for international land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

The U.S. State Department plans to continue its education of the American public regarding these rule changes.

Nearly 9,400 designated post offices, clerks of court and other government offices nationwide accept applications for passport books and passport cards. The appropriate acceptance facility can be found by accessing www.travel.state.gov or by calling 877-487-2778 (TDD-TTY: 888-874-7793).