A federal requirement now requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State to implement plans to require all travelers, U.S. citizen and foreign born, to present a passport when entering the U.S.

As such, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is currently being implemented. What does it mean for you?

As of Jan. 23, 2007, U.S. citizens traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid U.S. passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

As early as Jan. 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or be sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other document as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.

WHTI will not affect travel between the U.S. and its territories. U.S. citizens traveling directly between the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa will continue to be able to use established forms of identification to board flights and for entry.

Local residents in need of a passport can contact:

• The Chisago Co. Recorder's Office, Government Center, 313 North Main St., room 277, Center City. Call (651) 213-8580.

Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please arrive by 4 p.m. to allow time for the passport application process. The Recorder's Office does not have the equipment to take passport photos.

• Department of Motor Vehicles, Railroad Ave., Chisago City. Call (651) 257-6578 for hours. Passport photos available.

• Washington Co. License Bureau, 1432 Lake Street S., Forest Lake. Call (651) 430-8280 for hours, Passport photos are available.