6/9/2010

In anticipation of the summer travel season, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration joined efforts to provide travel tips to summer travelers. 

CBP and TSA recently implemented initiatives to facilitate travel while protecting the homeland against various threats. With the summer travel season rapidly approaching, the two agencies want to educate travelers about these initiatives in order to make their travel experience a more enjoyable one. 

CBP reminds travelers: 

• U.S. citizens traveling abroad must have approved travel documents when returning home. 

• The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires U.S. and Canadian citizens, age 16 and older to present a valid, acceptable travel document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea. U.S. and Canadian citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea. 

• A radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled travel document such as a U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License/Enhanced Identification Card or Trusted Traveler Program card expedites entry and makes crossing the border more efficient. 

• All nationals or citizens of VWP countries are now required to have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP. CBP continues to facilitate the entry process for Visa Waiver Program travelers into the U.S. by implementing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization requirement on January 12, 2009. 

• Other programs that facilitate the entry process for international travelers coming into the country to visit, study or conduct legitimate business include “Trusted Traveler Programs” such as SENTRI, NEXUS and Global Entry. For more information about these programs, please visit the CBP Web site.