Did you know, that you won't need a passport to enter the United States by land until 2008?

Question

Why is there so much confusion about needing a passport to enter the US by January? It's not until 2008?
People ask questions like "Do I need a passport to enter the US" (by land), and everyone keeps saying that you need a passport to get into the US by January of 2007. YOU DO NOT NEED A PASSPORT TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES BY LAND UNTILL JANUARY OF 2008.

From the U.S. Department of State:
"As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security."
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbp...

What is with all the confusion? I have even seen people with stories of their "friends" who went to the border and "even as early as now" got turned back because they didn't have a passport. It's AIR TRAVEL that a passport is needed by January of 2007. Why can't people get the facts right?

Sorry, the link above isn't working properly. Here it is again (working):
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Answer 1

Yes. You are correct. Part of the confusion is it keeps changing. Some people read the old announcements. And it's not like everywhere on the Internet updates their website right away.

What adds to the confusion is when the asker doesn't add details. When they are traveling, what their nationality is, and how they are traveling (air, sea, land) But you are right, even if they state all that people answer it wrong. They don't take the time for their 2 points.

Answer 2

I agree that the confusion is that the dates keep changing, so if you arent up to date you can answer incorrectly. Also, people are hearing "passport by January 2007" and not taking the time to see it is AIR and SEA that requires this now, and land travel isnt until next year. Media reports are getting the news faster than government websites are updating too.

As with most things that are big changes, it is always the standby "well, it happened to my friends friends cousin's exboyfriend that he was turned down". What they fail to say is that he likely didnt have OTHER supporting documents by road travel. Apparently a lot of people think photocopies documents can work at the border. No one is thinking about "why" these rules are now in place to see why a photocopy isnt acceptable.

Edit: They have changed it to June 2009 to have passport required by air, sea and land now. (see link)

Answer 3

I believe you need a passport by January 2007 if youre travelling by air. If youre crossing the border, you need your citizenship card or any other identification. Most importantly, you must be cute.

Answer 4

you do no longer require a passport to force or bus around the border to canada or return to the U.S. till sometime next summer season ( they have not positioned an exact cut-off date yet ) In august you will the two be fantastic with basically driving force licence/beginning certificates. in case you have been flying it relatively is an entire distinctive tale, then you definately might want passports to return to the U.S.