Passport Regulations

Prior to 2007, it was easy to visit Canada and Mexico. Birth certificates and a photo ID was all that was need to move back and forth between these countries and the United States. After 2007, a passport ID is required to reenter into the United States.

Today, all United States citizens are required to present a passport to get back into the United States. Children under the age of 16 can cross land and sea borders with a United States birth certificate or another form of proof of citizenship. There are exemptions for students of U.S. and Canadian citizens from ages 16 through 18 traveling with school, religious or athletic outings and they can enter Canada or the United States with a birth certificate or proof of citizenship. There are several other options that can be used in place of a passport. One is a U.S. passport card. The passport card is wallet sized and can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border-crossing or port of entries from Canada, Mexico or some of the Caribbean countries. One limitation is that it can only be used by land or sea. The passport card contains an electronic chip that has a RFID chip. Customs and border protection inspectors can access the individuals photograph and other important information. New York, Michigan, Washington and Vermont issue enhanced drivers licenses. They provide proof of identity and U.S. citizens are given the ease of making travel that much quicker. It allows U.S. citizens to travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry.

There are new regulations for traveling between countries. You have several options: A passport, U.S. passport card or an enhanced license.