Jan 19, 2009

Manitoba offers enhanced photo ID for travellers to U.S.

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Manitoba is introducing enhanced photo identification that citizens can use instead of a passport to travel over land or water into the United States.

Air travellers still need a passport, but the new identification card will be valid ID for those entering the U.S. by road or water, Attorney General Dave Chomiak said Monday.

The wallet-sized cards will be available on a voluntary basis for $30 to Manitobans who hold a valid driver's licence, beginning Feb. 2. The card will be $50 for those who don't have a driver's licence. The card is not a substitute for a driver's licence but contains a radio frequency chip that can be read by customs and immigration authorities.

As of June 1 this year, Canadians entering the U.S. at any land border will need a passport or enhanced photo identification before being allowed to enter.

Manitoba says the enhanced ID is a cheaper alternative to an $85 passport for people who want to travel by land to the United States. No personal information is kept on the card, officials said.

The new identification card contains several security features, including a unique identifier number that corresponds to a secure database stored at the Canada Border Services Agency.

The card is valid for between one and five years, and Manitobans must demonstrate proof of citizenship and undergo an interview to obtain the card. Eventually issuing of the card will be synchronized with driver's licence renewals, for those who are eligible.

The Manitoba government expects 150,000 Manitobans to apply for the new identification, which looks like a driver's licence photo ID and which should expedite travel across the land border between the two countries .