WASHINGTON, D.C. — US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched an extensive awareness campaign in advance of new border requirements next June.

This phase of the campaign will involve television, print and online advertising to educate the public about new travel document requirements that will go into effect on June 1, 2009 under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

"Since the time WHTI was first announced, we have taken seriously our obligation to inform travelers of the change in procedures," CBP Assistant Commissioner Thomas S. Winkowski said. "We will continue our efforts to remind travelers who don’t already have a document that they still have time to obtain one in advance of the June 2009 compliance date. The agency is committed to implementing WHTI in a common sense, flexible way that facilitates the flow of legitimate travelers and improves the security of our borders."

This phase of CBP’s WHTI outreach efforts will include: a two-month schedule of national advertising on television, in magazines, and on the Web; public service announcements; the launch of a new Web site (www.GetYouHome.gov), and interactive widget; and distribution of collateral and compliance-related information.

On June 1, 2009, travelers will need to present a valid, acceptable document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea. Most travelers will be able to select from one of six different documentation options, based upon their individual travel needs. Many U.S. and Canadian travelers already have a passport or another WHTI-compliant document. WHTI was implemented for air travelers in January 2007.

In addition to a passport, there are several other documents that CBP will accept at land and sea ports of entry from U.S. and Canadian citizens coming from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean. These include the new U.S. Passport Card, new state/province-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, and the three CBP trusted traveler program cards: NEXUS Program, SENTRI, and FAST Driver Program.

All these documents utilize radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. By incorporating RFID technology into WHTI-compliant documents, the border-crossing process will be more efficient and effective.