Since April 2005, the Binational Tourism Alliance has been working on changes to this critical legislation with local, regional, provincial, state and national colleagues and politicians.

For the most up to date news on this important issue, please refer back to this section on a regular basis. 

January 28, 2010: Manitoba announces full implementation of its Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL) and Enhanced Identification Card (EIC) program.  For full details visit:http://www.mpi.mb.ca/english/newsroom/articles/2010/Jan11.html

November 24, 2009 Washington -  U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Public Safety Canada Minister Peter Van Load today announce intiatives between the United States and Canada. 
Of particular interest, please note: NEXUS and FAST Cards Now Accepted Everywhere: Canada will join the United States in recognizing NEXUS and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) trusted traveler program cards as valid identification documents in all lanes at all land and sea border ports of entry beginning Nov. 25.    Click here for full article.

WHTI UPDATE: January, 2009 - U.S. Customs and Border Protection has provided us with this easy reference guide to acceptable forms of identification for border-crossing into the United States by land or sea effective June 1, 2009. Click here

"Are you ready to cross the border on June 1, 2009?"  Please refer to this informative press release from the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority.


Current travel identification requirements prior to June 1, 2009, please click here.

WHTI Links:

Nexus Program

Updates:

June 13, 2008
Change in document procedures, please click here

May 22, 2008 
Governor Patterson Announces Federal Agreement to Issue Enhanced Driver Licences in New York State  
for complete information, please click here


March 27, 2008
Homeland Security and State Departments Announce WHTI Land and Sea Final Rule
For complete information please visit: http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1206634226418.shtm

January 28, 2008
Canada Border Services Agency:
Update On Recent Developments Related to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and a Reminder for Documentation Required Effective January 31, 2008 for Entry into the U.S. by Land and Water.
please click here

January 2008
New travel document requirements
Travelers Reminded of New Document Requirements Beginning January 31, 2008
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State remind the traveling public that as of Jan. 31, 2008, all adult travelers will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry.
For complete information click here   For current requirements as well as after January 31, 2008, please click here

January 2008 

Marine Travel:

For updated information for recreational boaters entering Canada, please click here

For updated information for recreational boaters entering the U.S., please click here

 To register for the 2009 Binational Tourism Summit and/or Trade Show, please click on green link below.