Frequently Asked Questions: New Border Crossing Procedures Beginning January 31, 2008

The Department of Homeland Security answers questions regarding new citizen documentation requirements for travelers entering the United States.

Questions on the Transition:

What is the change beginning January 31, 2008?

Currently, upon entering the United States at a land border port of entry, an individual without documentation can verbally claim to be a U. S. citizen. On January 31, DHS is ending this practice such that oral declarations alone to prove identity and citizenship will no longer be sufficient. Travelers will be asked to present certain documentation from a specified list when entering the United States at land or sea ports of entry.

What is the purpose of the January 31st change?

Close a well-documented security gap, reducing the potential for an individual to gain access to the U.S. by falsely claiming through an oral declaration to be a U.S., Canadian or Bermudan citizen.

Allow U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers to standardize inspections against a narrower class of documents. The Jan. 31 change is a step forward from the largely subjective standard that allows travelers to present an almost limitless array of documents, such as baptismal certificates, to satisfy CBP officers of their citizenship.

Accustom travelers to presenting documentation when entering the United States. This transition period will prepare travelers for the implementation of new secure travel document requirements that will go into effect as early as June 1, 2009.

Who is affected by this change?

This change affects all U.S. citizens entering the United States by land or sea - including pleasure vessel or ferry. It also affects citizens of Canada and Bermuda who are currently exempt from document requirements. Please see the January 31, 2008 Fact Sheet for a specific list of acceptable documents.

Who is NOT affected by this change?

Travelers entering the U.S. by air. All travelers entering the United States by air have been required to present a passport or secure document since January 23, 2007.

Mexican citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents are not impacted by this change.

• Mexican citizens, including children, are currently required to present a passport with a nonimmigrant visa or a laser visa border crossing card.
• Lawful Permanent Residents may continue to present their Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card.
• Nonimmigrants who have been required to present a passport and visa, or other travel document, to enter the U.S.

What documents will travelers be asked to present after January 31st?

• U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will be asked to present documentation from a specified list. Please see the Fact Sheet for document options:http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/archives/2007_news_releases/122007/12032007_4.xml.
• U.S. and Canadian children ages 18 and under will only be asked to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
• Bermudians should present a passport issued by the Government of Bermuda or the United Kingdom, or a government-issued photo ID along with proof of citizenship.

What happens if I don't have any documents when I cross the border at a land or sea port of entry?

Travelers who do not have the appropriate documents may be delayed while CBP officers attempt to verify their citizenship and identity. They will also be given the informational tear sheet explaining the new procedures. The intent of this transition is to raise awareness of the change, educate travelers, and allow ample time for travelers to obtain the necessary documents.

How long will the transition period last? What will happen when it ends?