On June 1, 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (“WHTI”) became effective for land and sea travel; it has applied to air travel since January 23, 2007. WHTI requires U.S. and Canadian travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.

As of June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens traveling to the United States by land or by sea will be will be required to present one of the travel documents listed below:

1) A Canadian Passport – This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and citizenship. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.

2) Enhanced Driver’s Licence (“EDL”)/Enhanced Identification Card (“EIC”) – Canadian provinces have begun issuing these documents that denote identity and citizenship that are WHTI-compliant for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea but not by air.

3) Trusted Traveler Programs – NEXUS, FAST/Expres and SENTRI enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved travelers. FAST/Expres cards are valid for use at land or sea ports of entry; the NEXUS card can be used at land or sea ports of entry and at kiosks at participating airports.

Some, but not all, Canadian Provinces have already begun issuing EDLs to facilitate cross-border travel:

1) The Province of Quebec began taking applications from Quebec drivers for EDLs on March 16, 2009; click here for further information. (For information in French, click here.)

2) The Province of British Columbia began taking applications from British Columbia drivers for for EDLs on April 6, 2009; click here for further information.

3) The Province of Ontario began taking applications from Ontario drivers for EDLs on May 19, 2009; click here for further information (For information in French, click here).

4) The Province of Manitoba was scheduled to begin issuing EICs to Manitoba drivers but the Manitoba Public Insurance website still indicates that the program is awaiting final approval. Click here for further information on the Manitoba EIC program. (For information in French, click here.)

In the United States, the State of Michigan, the State of New York, the State of Vermont, and the State of Washington are also currently issuing EDLs to their residents.