CANADIAN TRAVELER ALERT BORDER CROSSING INFORMATION

Finger Lakes Region (February 1, 2008) – In an effort to best serve our members, VisitRochester would like to share the following information with you. In this email, you will find:

1. Requirements of Canadian citizens traveling to the US by land and water
2. Update on passports for US citizens traveling to Canada by land and water

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is in effect as of January 31, 2008 .    The WHTI is a US law that requires all travelers to present a valid passport or birth certificate with a raised seal along with a valid driver’s license when traveling to or from the US and Canada.

VisitRochester advises sharing this information with your staff.   The information can be helpful in a variety of ways, including updates on your website.

1. Requirements of Canadian citizens traveling to the US by land and water:

As of January 31, 2008, all Canadian citizens crossing the border will need to follow the following requirements:

• a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, PLUS a birth certificate or citizenship card; 
  OR
• A valid passport;
  OR
• A NEXUS or a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card;
  OR
• An enhanced driver's license (in testing phase in British Columbia);
  OR
• An Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card;
  OR
• For those 18 and under, a birth certificate.

2. Update on passports for US citizens traveling to Canada by land and water:

• As of February 1, 2008, all U.S. citizens crossing the border will need a valid passport or valid driver's license and raised seal birth certificate issued by a government agency.
• The fee for a passport will be $100.00 for adults age 16 and older and $85.00 for children age 15 and younger -- an increase of $3.00, effective 2/1/08.
• To offset the Federal Government's fee increase, the Monroe County Clerk's Office decreased its fee for passport photos to $7.00 from $10.00.
• Children under the age of 16 will need either both parents or legal guardians to appear to apply for a passport, or submit a notarized Statement of Consent form. The form is available online at travel.state.gov
• Travelers will also be able to apply for Passport Cards that will be valid for crossing the border by land or sea. The cost of a Passport Card is $45 for adults age 16 and older and $35 for children age 15 or younger. Please Note: Passport Cards will not be produced and mailed to applicants until late Spring 2008 at the earliest.   More information will be forthcoming.

Please contact Kelli O’Connor, Director of Convention and Visitor Services, for further information at  kellio@visitrochester.com.