WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- U.S., Canadian, Mexican and Bermudan citizens must present passports when arriving in the United States from the Western Hemisphere beginning Jan. 23.
A reminder of the travel requirement, part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, was issued Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State.
The notice said the only other acceptable documents for air travel arrival will be the Merchant Mariner Document issued by the U.S. Coast Guard to U.S. mariners, and the NEXUS air card issued to some U.S. and Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
The MMD, however, would only be acceptable when used by cardholders on official business. The Nexus card would only be accepted if used in conjunction with the Nexus Air Program at certain airports.
According to the notice, U.S. military personnel on active duty are exempt from the passport requirement. Permanent residents of the United States may present their permanent residency cards instead of a passport.
The travel initiative was a result of security recommendations following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on the United States. It was passed into law as part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
