Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Passports Will be Required to Return to U.S. From Canada and Mexico

The Departments of Homeland Security and State announced this week that all U.S. citizens will be required to show a passport or other accepted secure document to enter or re-enter United States by January 1, 2008

by Staff
April 7, 2005
2 min to read


The Departments of Homeland Security and State announced this week that all U.S. citizens will be required to show a passport or other accepted secure document to enter or re-enter United States by January 1, 2008.

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA, also known as the 9/11 Intelligence Bill), signed into law on December 17, 2004, mandated that the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, develop and implement a plan to require U.S. citizens and foreign nationals to present a passport, or other secure document when entering the United States.
The Departments of Homeland Security and State are issuing an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the plan to the public and requesting input and/or comment on the suggested documents and possible alternative documents that can meet the statutory requirements. A more formal rulemaking will be issued later this year following review of those comments to implement the first phase of the initiative. This rulemaking will take into account comments received from the ANPRM as well as soliciting further comments on the rulemaking itself.
According to the State Department web site, effective dates for the new rules are:
* December 31, 2005 Passport or other accepted document required for all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.
* December 31, 2006 Passport or other accepted document required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.
* December 31, 2007 Passport or other accepted document required for all air, sea and land border crossings.
“We recognize the implications this might have for industry, business and the general public, as well as our neighboring countries, and they are important partners in this initiative. The advanced notice of proposed rule making will allow these affected publics to voice concern and provide ideas for alternate documents acceptable under the law,” explained Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Maura Harty. “The overarching need is to implement this legal requirement in a way that strengthens security while facilitating the movement of persons and goods.”
For more information, go to www.dhs.gov or www.travel.state.gov.


Topics:Equipment

More Equipment

Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →
New Kenworth vocational front frame options.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 14, 2026

Kenworth Announces Reinforced Front Frame Option for T880 and T880S Models

Kenworth has released a factory-installed reinforced front frame option for T880 models, designed to simplify upfits, cut costs, and speed time to service.

Read More →
Stoughton PureBlue reefer trailer.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 13, 2026

Stoughton Rolls Out PureBlue Reefer Trailer, Raises Safety Bar With 40-mph Rear Impact Guard

Stoughton’s new refrigerated trailer platform delivers double-digit efficiency gains while a next-generation rear impact guard exceeds current crash standards.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Youtube thumbnail featuring man in Big-Lebowski-inspired sweater
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]

Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.

Read More →
Illustration of Maxiloda glide double-decking system inside trailer
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

How Maxiloda’s Glide System Unlocks Hidden Trailer Capacity

By turning unused vertical space into usable capacity, Maxiloda’s Glide system helps fleets move more freight per trip while reducing loading risks and equipment damage.

Read More →
Dual truck tires with black aerodynamic wheel cover and a man bending down getting ready to take one off
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 10, 2026

Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Kenworth TourAmerica W900L.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 9, 2026

Kenworth Revives Iconic 'TourAmerica' Paint Scheme

Kenworth’s new, limited-edition scheme celebrates trucking heritage while supporting a nationwide mobile museum tour.

Read More →
International autonomous truck.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 8, 2026

Ryder Joins International’s Autonomous Truck Pilot on Texas Freight Lane

Ryder and International take autonomous trucking out of the lab and onto a live, 600-mile Texas freight lane.

Read More →
Volvo NRV Truck Manufacturing Plant
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 8, 2026

FTR: Class 8 Orders Stay Hot in March Despite Monthly Dip

Fuel prices aside, Class 8 demand remains elevated as freight fundamentals improve and fleets regain confidence in long-term investments.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of back of aluminum flatbed trailer on show floor
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 2, 2026

Fontaine Expands Flatbed Lineup with New Fleet-Focused Models, Eyes 2027 Launch

Fontaine is broadening its flatbed lineup with new models aimed at fleets, including a lightweight aluminum trailer expected in 2027 that emphasizes durability, repairability, and lower cost.

Read More →