Border crossing requirements outlined

  • Published
  • By Michael Ward
  • 341st Missile Wing Information Protection Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  According to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol personnel, presentation of a military ID card is no longer a valid method to re-enter the United States. Recently, Aairmen have tried to re-enter using their military ID cards alone. For all travel requirements, review the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Web site, www.cbp.gov. , to make sure you have all of the required credentials. The following is an excerpt from the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Web page.

On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea, will be required to present one of the travel documents listed below. Many of these documents are already available, and obtaining one now will ensure that you are ready on June 1, 2009, when they will be required.
 
U.S. Passport - This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person's identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea. 

U.S. Passport Card - This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea. 

Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) - Several states and Canadian provinces/territories are issuing this driver's license or identification document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea. 

Trusted Traveler Program Cards - NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk. 

Note: Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card. 

Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 19 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card. 

The group should be prepared to present a letter on organizational letterhead with the following information: 

· The name of the group and supervising adult; 

· A list of the children on the trip, and the primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child; and 

· A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent for each participating child.