New entry rules take effect January 31, 2008

Beginning January 31, 2008, citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda, previously exempt from a passport requirement, will be required to provide proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization) and government issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) to enter the U.S. by land or sea ports of entry. Children 18 and younger will need proof of citizenship only but not a photo ID. Passports are preferred but are not yet a requirement at land and sea ports of entry. Oral declarations of citizenship will not be accepted. Citizens of all other countries previously requiring passports must still provide passports. Mexicans may still use BCCs as before for trips within 25 miles (75 miles in the Tucson region) of the border lasting 30 days or less.

All travelers entering and leaving the United States by air must have valid passports. This has been a requirement since January 23, 2007. This includes U.S. citizens, Canadians, and Mexicans. The only documents that will be accepted instead of a passport are the NEXUS air card when used at a NEXUS kiosk, and the MMD (Merchant Mariners' Document.) Birth certificates and driver's licenses are not acceptable by air.

Information about applying for U.S. passports can be found at the DOS passport site.