Earlier this week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a new, desktop widget that reminds travelers to obtain required documents before their departure dates. As the travel date approaches, the widget will provide a countdown timer and weather at the traveler’s destination, along with reminding the traveler to obtain travel documents required by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. As part of that initiative, U.S. and Canadian citizens that enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean must present either a passport or an approved document, as of June 1, 2009.

“We are using a wide range of media vehicles, in addition to television and magazine ads, to ensure that all segments of the population are familiar with the travel document requirements under WHTI,” said Thomas S. Winkowski, Assistant Commissioner, CBP. “A digital strategy component allows CBP to reach audiences that are increasingly using the Internet as their source of news and information, especially related to travel. The widget, because it sits on the computer desktop, provides an ongoing and interactive reminder to travelers to get appropriate travel documents.”

The widget can be downloaded from the following web address: www.GetYourHome.gov.