U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is urging Minnesotans to be aware of new identification requirements by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that will affect people crossing the border to Canada. The new rules take effect on Thursday.

Klobuchar said her office is available to assist Minnesotans with questions about the new requirements.  People may call her office toll-free at 1-888-224-9043 or visit her Website at http://klobuchar.senate.gov.

Klobuchar continues to push the Department of Homeland Security for additional time for border residents to prepare for the transition, and has already secured several delays in implementation.  However, residents should be prepared for a Jan. 31 start date for increased border identification requirements, and the June 2009 start time for passport or passport cards.

Earlier this month, Klobuchar met with customs officials, business owners and residents in Minnesota’s border cities, including International Falls, Warroad and Baudette.

“During my local visits on the border,” Klobuchar said, “I learned firsthand how these new regulations from the Department of Homeland Security will affect businesses, workers, hunters, anglers and families.  While everyone wants to protect national security, it’s also important for the government to minimize the red tape for law-abiding Minnesotans who want to travel to Canada.”

Since taking office, Klobuchar has been working to help Minnesotans comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which passed Congress in 2004 and is now taking effect.

This new law requires that U.S. citizens hold a passport for all international travel, including border crossings into Canada.

For the many Minnesotans who do not already have passports, this new requirement might create a significant burden of time, money and inconvenience. To correct this problem, Klobuchar supported a cheaper and more convenient alternative “passport card” for travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. 

Applications for these passport cards will be accepted beginning Feb. 1. A link to the application is available on Klobuchar’s Senate website at http://klobuchar.senate.gov.

Klobuchar also succeeded in delaying full implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative until June 2009 so Minnesotans traveling to Canada will not be tied up in red tape.  As a result, until June 2009, a passport or passport card is not required as long as the U.S. citizen can present a birth certificate and driver’s license when crossing the border.  Children are required to have proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

Below is a fact sheet from Klobuchar with details on the new federal rules. Minnesotans can also get this information by calling her office toll-free at 1-888-224-9043 or visiting her Web site at http://klobuchar.senate.gov.

WHAT MINNESOTANS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW U.S.-CANADA BORDER CROSSING RULES:

Beginning Jan. 31, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will no longer accept oral declarations of citizenship for travelers over age 19 who enter the U.S. by land or sea.  This changes what had been standard practice for decades.

Below are the documents now required under the Homeland Security’s new regulations.  If you have questions or need assistance,contact Klobuchar’s office at 1-888-224-9043 or visiting her website at http://klobuchar.senate.gov.

Acceptable Documents as of Jan. 31:    (Only one of these documents is required)

U.S. or Canadian Passport Birth Certificate (along with a driver’s license or state-issued identification card) U.S. Passport Card (available spring 2008)*

 Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)*

State or Provincial Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available – this secure driver’s license will denote identity and citizenship.)*

 Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)*

U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders U.S. Merchant Mariner Document Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card Form I-872 American Indian Card Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Card.

For people who frequently cross the U.S.-Canada border, Customs and Border Protection recommends using one of the asterisked documents to expedite your entry into the U.S.

 Travelers 18 and younger are required to have proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
For additional information go to the U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionWebpage.

To Apply for a U.S. Passport Card:

Minnesotans can apply in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card beginning Feb. 1.  The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.   Adults who already have a passport book can apply for the card as a passport renewal and pay $20.  First-time applicants will pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children.

For more information go to the U.S. Department of State Web page.