New U.S. Border Crossing Procedures Take Effect Today

Effective today, U.S., Canadian and Bermudian citizens will need to show either a valid passport or a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID in order to cross into the U.S. Previously, travelers could declare their citizenship orally.

Don't forget to pack your passport or your driver's license and birth certificate if you're driving or flying into the U.S. from another country. Cruise passengers can still use a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID, rather than a passport book, to enter the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has posted complete list of acceptable documents, organized by category of traveler, and a list of frequently asked questions on its website.