Off Topic Travel to Canada from the States Clarified

[Tony Jacuzzi]

I travel daily across the border and am part of the NEXUS cross border program. I received this email regarding travel to and from Canada for 2007 that explains that a passport is NOT REQUIRED yet.

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Laws requiring passports at Detroit Windsor border

will not be implemented before January, 2008

DETROIT, Mich. - Many travelers are confused as to what they

need when traveling between the United States and Canada. Neal Belitsky,

Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Windsor Tunnel

wants to assure people that they only need to prove their citizenship when

traveling through the Tunnel. "The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

(WHTI) going into effect later this month only affects those traveling by

air, not by land," Belitsky said. "Therefore, United States and Canadian

citizens driving across the border at the Detroit Windsor Tunnel and other

border crossings only need to prove their citizenship." This could include

a birth certificate, citizenship certificate or passport. However, Belitsky

asks that travelers be prepared to present documentation such as valid U.S.

passport, U.S. birth certificate, or Naturalization certificate to avoid

delays. And he encourages people to secure a valid passport within the year

to help expedite traffic at the Tunnel. But Belitsky says, "You do not need

a passport before next January to travel between Detroit and Windsor."

Recognizing the unique relationship we have in this region, the

Tunnel is currently supporting the Departments of Homeland Security and

State in developing a special card for people who frequently travel between

Detroit and Windsor. However, people can now apply for a NEXUS card which

will allow them expedited travel across the Tunnel. "NEXUS is a

pre-approved clearance program that has succeeded at the Detroit Windsor

Tunnel. NEXUS travelers are given a special card that allows them to enter a

NEXUS dedicated lane and avoid the waits." The Tunnel has added a special

feature to NEXUS and provides NEXUS approved travelers a NEXPRESS® card upon

request that allows them to enter the tunnel through a special lane,

avoiding even further delays, often making travel between Detroit and

Windsor seamless.

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, people traveling

by air will need passports beginning January 23. The Detroit Windsor Tunnel

is one of the busiest passenger border crossings in North America offering

travelers a downtown to downtown connection. For more information on these

programs, link to www.dwtunnel.com.