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News > Oral Declarations No Longer Acceptable at Border as Evidence of Citizenship

Oral Declarations No Longer Acceptable at Border as Evidence of Citizenship

Starting January 31, 2008, individuals entering the U.S. at land-border and sea ports-of-entry will be required to present physical documentation of their citizenship. Currently, oral declarations are acceptable as evidence of American, Bermudan or Canadian citizenship. As of January 31, U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older should present either (1) a passport or (2) government-issued photo ID along with proof of citizenship (such as a driver's license with a birth or naturalization certificate). Children ages 18 and younger will only be required to present proof of citizenship. In addition, passports and trusted traveler program cards (including NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST cards) will continue to be acceptable forms of documentation for cross-border travel. Bermudan citizens should present a passport issued by the Government of Bermuda or the United Kingdom, or a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship.

Please note that Mexican citizens will still need to present a passport with a nonimmigrant visa or laser visa border crossing card for entry. Also, U.S. Legal Permanent Residents may continue to present their Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card to enter the United States.

Currently, only passports and trusted traveler program cards are acceptable forms of secure documentation for travelers attempting to enter the U.S. by air.

Travelers attempting to enter without the proper documents may be denied entry to the U.S., or delayed while Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify identity. Undocumented travelers will also receive an informational tear sheet outlining the new documentary requirements. After June 1, 2009, the DHS has indicated that only secure documents meeting identity and security requirements will be accepted upon U.S. entry. These documents may include passports, a U.S. passport card, trusted traveler program cards, enhanced driver's licenses and designated tribal cards. DHS has indicated that it will give the public significant advance notice of the final document requirements prior to full implementation.