| Earlier this month, I drove to Niagara-on-the-Lake, | | | | the beautiful island of Bermuda. This new requirement |
| Canada for a long weekend. I flashed my driver's | | | | is a delayed implementation of the Western |
| license at the border and was waved through. The | | | | Hemisphere Travel Initiative, introduced in 2004, |
| ease of travel there, and the common language and | | | | designed to protect us against unwelcome visitors |
| culture, makes Canada seem more like the 51st state | | | | after the 2001 tragic terrorist attack. It remains to |
| than a foreign country. It will feel a little more foreign | | | | be seen whether this will actually filter out terrorists |
| on June 1st when U.S. passports will be required for | | | | or will simply inconvenience legitimate travelers. |
| entry. I asked the Canadian customs official on the | | | | Nevertheless, Travel Clinics of America vigorously |
| way in why Canada imposed this new requirement | | | | supports the effort. Is your passport expiring soon? |
| on their peace loving southern neighbor. "It's not us, | | | | If so, we advise you to renew it soon, before an |
| it's you guys," he explained. The United States will | | | | urgent business meeting or emergency requires |
| require passports (or a passport card) for all returning | | | | traveling across our northern or southern border. |
| U.S. visitors. Since this will be our ticket out of | | | | Your birth certificate, driver's license, fitness club ID, |
| Canada, Canadian officials want to see our passports | | | | Boy Scout Merit Badge and winning smile won't be |
| on the way in so they will not be stuck with us. | | | | enough anymore. |
| Travelers should keep up to date on new passport | | | | Traveling soon? Your travel doctor can make sure |
| requirements. | | | | that all of your necessary documents and travel |
| These new requirements will also affect international | | | | vaccinations are up to date. |
| travelers returning from Mexico, the Caribbean and | | | | |