Visitors coming to Canada
Click here for the latest Traveler Identification requirements
Click here for the latest information about land and sea travel
Click here for information specific to visiting Canada
Click here for information about US to Canada border wait times
Visitors going from Canada to the USA
Click here for information specific to visiting the US from Canada
Click here for the latest Traveler Identification requirements
Click here for information about Canada to US border wait times
Canadian and U.S. citizens traveling by car do not need a passport to cross the border.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a new U.S. law that will require all travelers, including Canadians, to carry a valid passport or other appropriate secure document when traveling to the United States from within the western hemisphere.
This is a change from prior travel requirements.
In order to continue to be able to travel to the United States by air travelers are advised to have a valid passport.
Latest Traveler Identification Requirements
WHTI Final Land and Sea Traveler Requirements Press Release
WHTI Final Land and Sea Traveler Requirements FAQ Page
Requirements for U.S. and Canadian citizens seeking entry into the United States through a land or sea border are as follow:
Effective January 31, 2008, oral declarations of citizenship alone will no longer be accepted by U.S. Customs.
- U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate
- Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate
- Passports and trusted traveler program cards – NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST – will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel
All existing non-immigrant visa and passport requirements will remain in effect and will not be altered by this change.
For further information, please visit: www.dhs.gov
Documentation for Minors
New policy will go into effect January 1, 2008. With the new policy, Canadians 18 years old and under will be required to present only a birth certificate.
For additional information on WHTI, please visit the CBSA Website at: http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/menu-eng.html
What is a secure document?
The U.S. government released the final rules for air travel to the United States on November 24, 2006. The following items will be considered acceptable for entry into the United States from within the western hemisphere by air:
- A valid passport;
- A NEXUS Air membership when used at a NEXUS Air kiosk;
- A valid Merchant Mariner's Document for U.S. citizens; or
- Valid U.S. military identification and orders, when travelling on active duty.
The United States has yet to release the rules for land and sea travel; however, a passport will be valid for all modes of travel under the WHTI.
