Homeland Security

Sunday, October 19, 2008

If you are a U.S. or Canadian Citizen and you register for an event on-line or by mail, your entry is submitted to the Bureau of Homeland Security, CBP for clearance. Effective January 31, 2008, U.S. Customs and Border Protection tightened security measures for international travel. You will need to show up in person and provide a Photo ID AND proof of citizenship at the Health and Fitness expo in order to obtain your race number, packet and t-shirt. For the majority of participants this means either a passport or BOTH a driver’s license AND birth certificate issued by a federal, state, provincial or municipal authority. For additional acceptable documentation, click here... There are no exceptions. Please make certain your travel arrangements include ample time to make it to the expo and collect your packet. NO PACKET PICKUP ON RACE DAY - NO EXCEPTIONS.

On race day, your race number must be visible and promptly pinned to front of your outer-most clothing. DO NOT affix your number to your back or underneath another article of clothing. Please keep it visible at all times.

Citizens of countries other than the U.S. or Canada:

If you are a citizen of a country other than the U.S. or Canada and you register for an event on-line or by mail, your entry is also submitted to the Bureau of Homeland Security, CBP for clearance. All existing non-immigrant visa and passport requirements remain in effect and were not altered by the changes implemented on January 31, 2008. You will need to show up at the Health and Fitness Expo in person to meet with a CBP official and provide proof of identity and citizenship (driver's license and certified copy of birth certificate or a valid passport). You will also be required to show a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (green card) or a Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card), visa or other necessary paperwork required to be in the U.S.

If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen and are visiting the U.S., you may also be required to obtain a temporary Visa (Visitor's Visa) from Canada. Please examine the ‘Visiting Canada ’ section at the website of the Consulate General of Canada in Detroit.

Citizens of all countries. If you are planning to register at the Health and Fitness Expo (space available) for any international event, you must come prepared to meet with a CBP Official. All necessary paperwork and proof of citizenship must be provided. For basic acceptable documentation, click here. It is strongly recommended that all travelers verify the specific documentary requirements of both your country of residence and the countries you will be visiting.