New Regulations at U.S.-Canada Border Begin June 1

New rules requiring passports or some other secure means of identification at land-crossings along the Canada-U.S. border come into effect Monday. Implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, Canadian and American travelers alike will require a passport or enhanced driver’s license in order to enter.

Michigan is currently one of four states offering the enhanced driver’s license to help expedite border crossing. They include an RFID (radio frequency) chip embedded with citizenship and identity information. Any Michigan resident who is a U.S. citizen may apply for an enhanced license or ID card.

U.S. officials promise to be lenient at first. Joanne Ferreira, spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said “We’re encouraging travelers to have approved documents for Monday… but we’re going to be flexible and practical” adding “We won’t deny entry to U.S. or Canadian citizens.”

Today there is already an 83% compliance rate for car traveler at land borders across the U.S. Commercial truckers are at 95% compliance. The Ambassador Bridge alone handles 25% of U.S.-Canadian trade, or about $500M per day.

Chief Ron Smith of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Detroit said “We don’t anticipate any delays at the border at all.” Whether choosing the Detroit – Windsor Tunnel or Ambassador Bridge next time you venture to Ontario plan ahead and be prepared.

Related Links:

Crossing Made Easy: http://www.crossingmadeeasy.com/
Michigan Secretary of State: Michigan Enhanced Driver License and State ID
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/eng_map.html