Washington, DC -- Congress has extended by 17 months the requirement that all travelers entering the United States from the Western Hemisphere present a passport or other secure travel document to customs officials.
Congress approved the extension, from Jan. 1, 2008 to June 1, 2009, on Friday as part of its spending appropriation for the Department of Homeland Security. President George Bush is expected to sign the bill.
The delay to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative applies only to those entering the country by land and sea. All air travelers must present a passport or acceptable substitute by Jan. 8, 2007.
Travel industry groups, which had argued that government officials and the public were not yet properly prepared for the new rule, applauded the delay.
"Extension of the deadline ensures federal officials can implement this new rule correctly the first time, and this action also provides additional time to fully educate travelers here in the U.S. and neighboring countries on this change of law," said Roger Dow, chief executive of the Travel Industry Association of America.
Suzanne Fletcher, chief executive of the National Business Travel Association (NBTA), said, "NBTA is pleased the Congress came to a resolution that will protect the intent of the program to secure our nation's borders without significantly damaging the free conduct of commerce."
Among the acceptable substitutes to be available soon is the People Access Security Service, or PASS Card. The federal government has approved the card concept but is still working out details regarding its technology and implementation. The card will cost less than a passport but will contain biometric information identifying the card holder.