To all US members of the Scout Brigade

The “crossing the border” regulations WILL CHANGE on June 1st 2009.  

This will affect you at any time you cross a land border into those countries included in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and Canada is one of those countries.  
 
So this is not just a Scout Brigade thing, it will affect you anytime you return from one of the countries involved in WHTI after June 1st 2009.  If it is any consolation, it also affects any Canadians travelling into the US after June 1st.
 
These rules will be in effect from June 1st, so you WILL be affected if you are coming to the September event.  Please read this and ensure your all “adults” (those people 19 and older) are properly aware of the changes and are prepared to cross the border.  Please do not leave this until the last minute or you might find your cannot travel as planned.
 
Summary points:

1. There is NO change in rules about entering Canada – what you have done in the past will continue to be appropriate.
   
   
2. There is a change in the rules about entering the United States which includes all US residents returning home.
   
   
3. Children 15 years of age and under are NOT affected – same rules apply as have done for the past few years.
   
   
4. Children 16, 17 and 18 years of age:  Changed, but if travelling as part of a social, educational, religious or sports groups AND under the supervision of adults, there is no change. This should include scout groups.
   
   
5. ALL Adults (19 years of age and older) ARE AFFECTED as outlined below.
   
   
   • On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document <http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/#0> .
     

• CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.
• Groups of U.S. citizen and resident children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school, religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov <http://www.getyouhome.gov>  for more information on the changing travel requirements.
  

• U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
  
  
• The Passport Card <http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html> : Passport card applications are currently being accepted in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. Based on current projections, we expect the passport card to be in full production beginning in July 2008. We will provide additional updates as available. Once in production, the passport card it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
  
• WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
  
  • Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
  • State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)
  • Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
  • U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
  • Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
  • Form I-872 American Indian Card
    

This would suggest that US citizens have the option of a “Passport Card” which seems to be a cheaper version of the passport, but in a “card” format like a driver’s licence.  It also  says that Enhanced Drivers Licence (EDL) options are available as and when the respective states get it up and running.  You should check to see if your state is doing this and when it will be available.  Obviously from Don’s comments New York’s is up and running.
 
http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html <http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html>    Info about the Passport Card which costs $45 for first time users and if you already have a US passport, you can get the passport card by mail for $20.
 

For further information contact the Camp Chief.