Border Crossing Rules

This information was provided by Homeland Security

Q. Will anyone be refused admittance or arrested for failing to have proper documentation when returning to the United States? A. The short answer is no.

U.S. citizens lacking proper paperwork will receive a brief explanation of what is needed to be compliant with the law, along with the tearsheet now being distributed.

“You will not be refused entry,” Corsaro said Wednesday, describing this new era of travel as an educational period that will continue until at least June 2009, when the government hopes to have a few standard forms of identification in place — in addition to the passport.

Q. What types of documents are needed?

A. Proof of citizenship, such a birth certificate and government- issued photo identification for anyone older than 19. Q. What about children?

A. Children 18 and younger will need proof of citizenship, but no photo ID. If they are traveling without parents, their temporary guardian will need a signed letter granting permission to travel from the mother or father.

Q. Does the birth certificate need to be an original or certified copy with the raised seal of the municipality?

A. No, it can be a photocopy. Q. Who issues birth certificates?

A. The vital statistics office in the municipality where the individual was born.

Q. What kind of government- issued photo identification is acceptable?

A. A driver’s license is the most typical form used, but for those who do not drive, there are other official types of photo identification, such as a collegeidentification card or military ID card. Nondriver’s license photo ID can also be obtained at Department of Motor Vehicles branches. “Keep in mind we’ll still be talking to every traveler,” Corsaro said.

Q. Is there a single document that fulfills the increased paperwork requirement?

A. Yes, a passport. That includes a photograph and establishes citizenship. In the spring, passport cards, about the size of a bank card, will be available at a cheaper price than the larger regular passport. The cost of the passport card is $20 for those who already own a passport and $45 for those who don’t.

Q. What about enhanced New York State driver’s licenses?

A. They, too, will be acceptable as a single document to prove citizenship and identity. The state plans to begin making them available, possibly by next summer, at a yet-to-be-determined higher price than the regular driver’s license.

Q. What about the fast pass known as NEXUS?

A. That also performs double duty to prove citizenship and identification.

Q. With the increased paperwork, will there be longer waits at the international spans connecting the United States and Canada?

A. Border officials say no. “Most people already are prepared to present documents,” Corsaro said, adding that his officers are mindful of the need to keep trade and tourism flowing.

Q. What about individuals who already are required to present a U.S. visa to enter the United States?

A. Those requirements will remain in effect and will not be altered by the ongoing changes.