Beginning January 31, citizens of both countries must present proof of citizenship and a government-issued ID when entering the United States at land border crossings and sea ports.
Currently, U.S. citizens can enter the United States simply by making an "oral declaration" -- that is, saying they are citizens and convincing the border officials that they are. No written documentation is required at land or sea ports. Citizens don't need a passport, a driver's license, or even a receipt from their local power company or dry cleaners.
The same is true for residents of Canada and Bermuda seeking entry into the United States.
But as the government continues to tighten border security, the centuries-old practice of accepting oral declarations is coming to an end, and even tighter requirements are on the way. Beginning in June 2009, travelers will need a passport or some other form of government-approved border ID cards, which are now being developed.
The January 31 change is the easy step, many say, largely because of the mistaken perception people have that proof of citizenship is already required.
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Frequent border crossers claim some border agents foster that misperception, telling them government-issued IDs are mandatory. (Passports are already required for air travel.)
In a nutshell, here are the changes as of January 31:
Oral declarations of citizenship alone will no longer be accepted.
U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
Passports and trusted traveler program cards -- NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST -- will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel.
All existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will remain in effect and will not be altered by this change.
There will always be instances when people arrive at the border without identification, officials say. But border officials say travelers will be swayed to provide documentation by the convenience that appropriate IDs bring. Travelers will also be swayed by the inconveniences they'll face when they don't have appropriate identification.
The intention is to raise awareness that document requirements are changing, to get people accustomed to carrying documents.
New Border Crossing Information for US and Canada Citizens
