Crossing the border
To help you cross Canadian borders with minimum hassle, we've provided basic travel tips plus a direct link to the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.
Where are the border crossings located, and what are their hours?
Click here for border crossing information. If you cannot locate the information you require, please contact the Border Information Service (BIS) at 1-800-461-9999.
What documentation do U.S. citizens require to enter Canada?
When you enter Canada from abroad, a passport and a valid visa may be required.
If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada; however, air travelers from the U.S. require a passport or other secure document to return home by air as required by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). If you are arriving by land, you should carry proof of your citizenship such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as a photo ID. If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you must bring your permanent resident card (i.e. green card) with you.
What documentation is required to re-enter the United States?
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law that will require all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other secure document when travelling to the United States from within the western hemisphere. The new document requirements were implemented for air travellers to the United States in January 2007. Document requirements have not yet been implemented for those seeking to enter the United States at land or sea ports of entry.
Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time.
At a later date, to be determined, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have one of the following:
- a U.S. passport;
- a U.S. passport card;
-a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI;
-a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business;
- or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.
The implementation date will be determined based on a number of factors, including the progress of actions undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security to implement the WHTI requirements and the availability of WHTI compliant documents on both sides of the border. DHS and DOS expect the date of full WHTI implementation to be in the summer of 2008. The precise implementation date will be formally announced with at least 60 days notice.
For more information on WHTI, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
For more information on visiting Canada, visit the Canada Border Services Agency.
What documentation do U.S. Citizens not born in the United States require?
U.S. visitors not born in the United States should carry their Certificate of Naturalization and permanent residents should also bring their Green Card. Temporary residents of the U.S. must carry a passport and may also require a Visa, depending on their country of citizenship.
Who needs a Visa to enter Canada?
Citizens from abroad are required to show a valid passport in order to enter Canada; some may require a Visa. Go to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for a list of countries and territories whose citizens require Visas.
What documentation is needed for children visiting Canada?
Adults travelling with children must carry identification for each child (a Birth Certificate for American citizens, a passport for citizens of other countries). Divorced parents with shared custody rights and non-custodial parents should carry legal documents establishing their status; a notarized letter authorizing the child to travel with that parent is required. Unaccompanied children should carry a letter of permission from their parents or legal guardian.
What can I bring? What can't I bring?
The Canada Border Services Agency has detailed information related to visiting Canada.
