U.S. Will Start Passport Requirment for Cross-Contential Travel

On January 23, 2007, Americans, Mexicans and Canadians will all have to present a passport or other approved documents to enter the United States when arriving by air from North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean and Bermuda. Previously, U.S. and Canadian citizens could enter each other's countries by presenting a birth certificate or driver's license, while some Mexicans could enter with a special border crossing card.

This first phase only affects air travel; by January 1, 2008, similar documents for U.S. citizens will be required when traveling by land or sea. (Click here to read more on this story.)