Whether you are traveling by land, air, or sea be certain you understand the requirements for reentry back into the United States. Oral declarations of citizenship from U.S. citizens are not acceptable; valid, government-issued travel documents are required.
TRAVELING OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CROSSING U.S. BORDERS
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
If you are traveling to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or any other country, please review DHS requirements for international travel, including passports and documents required to proof citizenship and identity.
U.S. Department of State
Only certain documents are accepted when attempting to reenter the United States. A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. To obtain a passport for the first time, you may go to one of over 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the U.S. You'll need two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizensship, and a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver's license. For details, review the passports section of the Department of State's Web site. Allow six weeks in advance of your travel date to obtain, replace, or change a passport.
U.S. Customs & Border Protection
Even if you're traveling to Mexico or Canada, you'll need a valid form of documentation to depart from and reenter the United States. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires all travelers to and from the Americas, Caribbean, and Bermuda to have passports. For more information, including the specific types of documents, FAQs, and reference material, refer to the air travel section of the U.S. Custom & Border Protection Web site at www.cbp.gov.
GENERAL INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Oral declarations of citizenship alone are not acceptable. U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older need to present a government-issued passport, 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 under will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport, refer to www.travel.state.gov or call 1.877.487.2778.
Land, sea, and air travel requirements may be found at: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/.
To learn more about NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, visit www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/.
RELATED LINKS:
How to apply for a passport?
Frequent asked questions on the travel initiative
Travel Industry Association