New Travel ID Rules Effective June 1, 2009

U.S. citizens who cross into the United States from Mexico and Canada must show proof of citizenship beginning June 1, 2008, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The deadline for showing a passport, or a driver's license and birth certificate or other citizenship documents is June 1, 2009, the date set by Congress.

If you don't have those documents but can substantiate your claim to be a U.S. citizen, you can still be admitted. But, you will probably face additional scrutiny. A fact sheet will be available in English and Spanish explaining the rules and how to comply.

Beginning June 23, 2007, proof of citizenship was required at U.S. airports for air travelers who entered the country from several other countries.

U.S. citizens aboard cruise ships, ferries and pleasure boats entering the U.S. at U.S. seaports must also be able to prove American citizenship by June 2009.

Mexican citizen must show proof of citizenship already to enter into the U.S. by land through federal ports.

Airline Travel Tips:

Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to scheduled flight departure time, both on the outbound and inbound trips. If possible, check-in online before you get to the airport.

For carry-on luggage, all liquids, gels and aerosols must be in 3.4-ounces or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Larger liquids can be carried in checked luggage.

All liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on luggage must be placed in one, quart/liter-sized, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon sized bags, or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags, are not allowed.

Each traveler must remove the quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag ftheir carry-on at the screening checkpoint. Place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening.