Border Crossing/Customs

ALL persons traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or Air NEXUS card.  Oral declarations are no longer accepted from U.S., Canadian or Bermudian travelers seeking to enter the U.S. by sea and/or land. International visitors to New York State may wish to view border crossing and customs information provided by the United States Customs and Border Protection Agency. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to present a passport to enter the United States when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere. ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or passport card, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI.  The proposed rules require U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.  For up-to-date information about WHTI, visit the U.S. Department of State's Internet site.