WASHINGTON, D.C. – On World Tourism Day, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reiterated its commitment to welcoming legitimate international visitors to the U.S. by highlighting several current and upcoming changes to travel requirements. In 2007 alone the U.S. welcomed more than 56 million people.
“The department recognizes the cultural, economic and political benefits of travel to our country,” said Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Policy Stewart Baker. “On World Tourism Day, we reaffirm the department’s dedication to facilitating travel through security enhancements, educating world travelers on requirements for entry, and building relationships with foreign allies.”
Since its inception, the department has made significant strides to enhance port security and improve travel procedures. Some of the highlights include: enhancing travel document requirements; establishing an online system for Visa Waiver Program traveler registration; and working with the travel industry to better protect the U.S. while at the same time welcoming legitimate visitors by launching the Rice-Chertoff initiative. Additionally, DHS provides a means by which individuals may seek redress for difficulties they encounter during their travel.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a core 9/11 Commission recommendation that establishes document requirements for travelers entering the U.S. who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda. The changes, which go into effect on June 1, 2009, will require travelers to present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the U.S. Oral declarations of citizenship are no longer accepted at border crossings.
A new, less expensive alternative to the passport is the U.S. passport card, available through the State Department. The passport card already has more than 500,000 applicants, and it was designed to meet the needs of border community residents.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization
Currently, citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries complete a paper I-94W form providing basic biographical, travel and eligibility information while en route to the U.S. Under the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), VWP travelers will provide this information electronically before departing for the U.S. ESTA, an Internet‑based travel authorization system, will enable DHS to pre‑screen international visitors before they depart for the U.S. to determine their eligibility for entry under the VWP.
To date, ESTA has processed 144,914 applications. Of those applications, 142,900 have been approved through the ESTA system, a 99.6 percent approval rate. Beginning January 12, 2009, all international visitors traveling under the VWP, including children, must have an individual ESTA authorization before departing for the U.S.
Upgrade to 10‑Fingerprint Collection
DHS is upgrading to new, faster fingerprint scanners that will collect additional fingerprints from international visitors to quickly and accurately verify their identities. Several U.S. ports of entry already use these new 10-fingerprint scanners, and all ports of entry will use them by 2009.
Since 2004, the department’s US-VISIT program has used biometrics—digital fingerprints and photographs—to prevent the use of fraudulent documents, protect visitors from identity theft, and stop thousands of criminals and immigration violators from entering the country.
NEXUS and SENTRI
The NEXUS and SENTRI trusted traveler programs provide expedited travel for pre-approved, low risk travelers through dedicated lanes at land and some air ports of entry. Newly issued trusted traveler cards have enhanced security features and up-to-date technology that help speed enrolled travelers across the border.
Global Entry
On June 10, 2008, the Global Entry pilot program was launched for approved U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who conduct international air travel to re-enter the U.S. using automated, self-service kiosks. The program is currently operational at JFK, Houston, and Dulles airports and will eventually be implemented at LAX, Atlanta, Miami, and Chicago airports.
Approximately 3,500 travelers have enrolled in Global Entry and over 1,100 Global Entry members have used kiosks at the three existing pilot locations since the June 10, 2008 opening date.
Rice-Chertoff Initiative
In January 2006, the Secretaries of the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security announced a joint initiative known as the Rice-Chertoff Initiative (RCI). As part of RCI, the Model Ports Initiative was piloted at George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH) and Washington Dulles International (IAD) airports.
The Model Ports Initiative establishes a more efficient international arrivals process to facilitate and promote travel to the U.S. and present a welcoming experience to travelers while improving security. CBP has announced the expansion of the Model Ports Initiative to an additional 18 international airports. CBP continues to work in partnership with airport authorities, airlines and the travel industry to identify ways to more efficiently assist travelers through the entry process.
Travel Redress Inquiry Program
When implementing changes to security procedures at U.S. ports and land border crossings, DHS is sensitive to visitors who believe they have been unfairly or incorrectly delayed, denied entry or identified for additional screening.
To address these visitors’ concerns, DHS has established a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening at ports of entry. The DHS Travel Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) is a central gateway to address misidentification issues and questions from visitors about their screening experiences.
