Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all people, including U.S. citizens, who are traveling to and from the Americas, the Caribbean or Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes identity and citizenship to enter or re-enter the United States. 

WHTI went into effect on June 1, 2009 at land and sea ports of entry. Travelers – including U.S. and Canadian citizens – are required to present a WHTI-compliant travel document to enter the United States. The approved documents include: 

• A Passport or Passport Card (PASS Card)
• A NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST trusted traveler program card
• State- or province-issued enhanced driver’s license (EDL)

Travelers under age 16 need to present only a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship.

WHTI Resources

For more information, please visit: 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
WHTI State Factsheet
Department of Homeland Security
The Department of State

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Passport Cards (PASS Card)

The Department of State began issuing the Passport Cards (PASS Cards) in February 2008. This WHTI-compliant document is designed for U.S. citizens who frequently cross the border via land and sea ports of entry in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. The PASS Card is not designed to be a global interoperable travel document and cannot be used for air travel.

The application fees for the PASS Card for an adult are $45; for children aged 16 and under, the fee is $35. The PASS Card will last for 10 years for adults and five years for children under 16. The renewal fee for an adult is $20 and for a child under 16 years is $10. The AZ enhanced driver’s license will cost $15, plus a $4 driver’s license duplication fee.

Visit the US Department of State website to learn more about Passport Cards.

For additional information, contact Laura French at lfrench@azot.gov or (602) 364-3720.