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Government/Legislation
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WHTI updates with significant traveler impact
Additional requirement, per recent “relaxing” of certain WHTI rules
As reported in the June issue of CWT Traveler, the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security have temporarily relaxed a rule requiring American air travelers to present their passport to gain re-entry into the United States from Canada and Mexico. Through September 30, 2007, travelers returning by air to the United States from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be permitted entry by showing Department of State-issued proof of application for a U.S. passport along with their government-issued photo ID.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Though not widely publicized, travelers must also present a certified copy of their birth certificate in addition to the proof of passport application. Most travelers will have sent a certified copy of their birth certificate in as part of their passport application, so a second copy must be obtained.
Travelers should contact their organization’s corporate travel manager or department with any remaining questions.
Refunds available for failed passport expedition
Additionally, the U.S. State Department last month announced it will refund applicants who paid for but did not receive expedited service for obtaining a passport. This announcement comes after passport fulfillment offices were flooded with passport requests from travelers attempting to comply with requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which was implemented earlier this year.
Requests for refunds must be made in writing to:
Department of State, Passport Services/PPS/Refunds2100 Pennsylvania Ave. NWWashington, DC20037-3202.
To obtain a refund, travelers must include in their refund request the following information:
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Passport number (if available)
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Name
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Date and Place of Birth
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Date of application for passport
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Mailing Address
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Phone Number
Sources: Forbes, U.S. Department of State, Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Canada’s ‘No Fly’ list takes off
The Canadian government, in conjunction with Transport Canada, recently implemented a program called “Passenger Protect,” which includes a No Fly list similar to the one currently used in the United States. The goal of this program, which went into effect on June 18 and applies to domestic and international flights to and from Canada, is to enhance security and protect the rights of Canadian citizens while also respecting the needs and realities of the aviation industry.
Similar to the U.S. government, the Canadian government now maintains a No Fly list, and provides a copy of this list to airlines in a secure format. The name, date of birth, and gender of each passenger is included on the list. Passenger identification will be verified at the airport check-in counter, where airline employees will compare the No Fly list information with the individual’s government-issued ID.To expedite the process, travelers must come prepared with the following:
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One piece of valid government-issued photo ID that shows name, date of birth and gender; or
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Two pieces of valid government-issued ID, at least one of which shows name, date of birth and gender.
If the name on a passenger’s ID matches a name on the No Fly list, the airline employee is required to notify Transport Canada. The agency will then confirm whether the individual in question poses an immediate threat to aviation security and inform the airline whether the individual should be allowed to board the flight.
Individuals whose names are mistakenly included on the No Fly list can appeal to Transport Canada’s Office of Reconsideration, which may arrange for an independent assessment of the case and make a recommendation. Individuals may also apply to the Canadian Federal Court for a judicial review.
More details on the Passenger Protect program and the new Identity Screening Regulations are available on Transport Canada's website at http://www.tc.gc.ca/vigilance/sep/passenger_protect/menu.htm.
Source: Transport Canada
The Canadian government recently announced upcoming changes to the passport application and renewal process for its citizens. Effective August 15, the Canadian passport renewal program will have simplified requirements, including a shorter form to fill out and the elimination of some documentary evidence, including evidence of citizenship, supplementary identification and a guarantor declaration.
The renewal program will require that applicants submit a shorter form, two current photographs, an application fee and their most recent passport. In order to qualify for this renewal program, Canadians must:
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Be residing in Canada at the time they apply
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Have resided in Canada at the time of their previous application
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Have been 16 years old or older at the time of their previous application
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Have a previous passport that:
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Must have been valid for five years;
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Must have been issued after January 31, 2002;
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Was never damaged or reported as lost or stolen; and
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Must have been issued under their current name
Additionally, beginning October 1, first-time passport applicants will benefit from another change to the Canadian passport requirements. Currently, first time applicants must provide the declaration of a guarantor – currently defined as a “professional” such as a doctor, lawyer, pharmacist, etc. However, beginning in October most Canadian adult passport holders, regardless of their professional status, may act as guarantors for first-time passport applicants, provided they hold a five-year Canadian passport (either valid or expired for less than a year), are at least 18 years of age, and have known the applicant for at least two years.
Passport Canada, the agency responsible for issuing, revoking, withholding, recovering, and providing instructions on the use of Canadian passports, processes 20,000 passports per day. Officials hope the new changes will speed up the process and reduce wait times for applicants.
Sources: Passport Canada, Canada.com
