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New border hours, documents

As of January 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.

The move is part of the transition to future requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). WHTI establishes document requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda.

Currently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may accept oral declarations of citizenship from U.S. and Canadian citizens seeking entry into the United States through a land or sea border. As of January 31, oral declarations of citizenship alone will no longer be accepted and U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

Children ages 18 and younger will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate; Passports and NEXUS cards are sufficient ID.

Existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will also remain in effect and will not be altered by this change.

The current turnaround time for a passport is four to six weeks and Americans planning international travel should apply now. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport call 877/487-2778.

New Hours for NEXUS in Blaine

Northbound Peace Arch NEXUS hours have been extended by Canada Border Services. They are now open from 7 a.m. to midnight every day. At the truck crossing, NEXUS hours are from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Southbound, the NEXUS lane is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at the truck crossing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.