2010 Olympic Games

The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia invested $580 million in building new venues and renovating existing facilities to stage the 2010 Winter Games, February 12-28. After the big event, the venues will be available for large assemblies and trade and consumer shows, in addition to sporting events. Meeting planners who want to hold events in Vancouver need to keep abreast of updates on travel document requirements.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, visitors will need approved travel documents to return to the U.S., especially the more than 1.5 million sports fans expected to travel north to attend the games. A campaign featuring U.S. Olympic athletes was developed by the CBP to inform travelers about the new requirements. U.S. and Canadian citizens will have to present; a passport, U.S. passport card, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST-trusted traveler program card, and a state- or province-issued enhanced driver’s license when entering the U.S.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) document requirements for air travel have been in effect since January 2007. Document requirements for land and sea ports of entry were implemented June 1, 2009. The WHTI is the joint Department of State and Department of Homeland Security plan recommended by the 9/11 Commission for travelers entering the U.S. who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda.

For more information, visit GetYouHome.gov.