Fergie's Tech Blog

Beginning Jan. 8, 2007, Anyone Entering U.S. by Air Must Carry Passport

David Armstrong writes in The San Francisco Chronicle:

A controversial rule requiring U.S. citizens and foreigners entering the country from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean by air to carry passports will soon go into effect, even as complaints that the rule will slow international trade and befuddle tourists continue to be raised.

The State Department's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative mandates the use of passports as of Jan. 8 for air travelers from neighboring countries in place of rules that allowed driver's licenses and birth certificates to do the job.

Moreover, as early as Jan. 1, 2008 -- and not later than June 1, 2009 -- the passport rule will go into effect for travelers arriving by land and sea from previously exempt neighboring countries.

posted by Fergie @ 10/25/2006 03:28:00 PM