Documents for entry into the United States

Western Hemishphere Travel Initiative

Find out what documents you need to enter the United States.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. law that requires all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere.

As of June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens will be required to present a valid passport, a NEXUS card, a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card or an enhanced driver's licence/enhanced identification card when entering the United States by land or water.

Canadian citizens flying to, through or from the United States must present a valid passport to confirm their citizenship and identity. A NEXUS card is also acceptable when used at a kiosk at designated Canadian airports and at all U.S. airports when returning to Canada.

Land and water ports of entry
(as of June 1, 2009)

As of June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens will be required to present one of the following valid WHTI-compliant documents when entering the United States by land or water:

• a passport;
• a NEXUS card;
• a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card; or
• an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province where a U.S.-approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented.

Note: Canadian citizens entering the United States by land but exiting by air must present a valid passport or a NEXUS card in compliance with U.S. air exit requirements. Refer to the air travel requirements for more information.

Canadian citizens 15 years of age or under will only require proof of Canadian citizenship, such as an original or a photocopy of a birth certificate, or a citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof of Canadian citizenship alone.

The Government of Canada is seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to accept the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status as a WHTI-compliant document. If accepted, the certificate could be used when entering the United States by land or water when the U.S. WHTI is fully implemented on June 1, 2009.

Current U.S. entry requirements for Canadian citizens travelling by land or water.

Entry requirements to the United States have not changed for non-Canadian citizens, including permanent residents residing in Canada. For more information on U.S. entry requirements, consult the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Web site.

Land and water ports of entry
(until May 31, 2009)

Since January 31, 2008, and until May 31, 2009, Canadian citizens entering the United States by land or water must present one of the following valid documents:

• a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence, PLUS a birth certificate or citizenship card;
• a passport;
• a NEXUS card;
• a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card;
• an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or an enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province where a U.S.-approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented; or
• a Certificate of Indian Status.
• For those aged 18 years and under, only proof of Canadian citizenship, such as an original or a photocopy of a birth certificate, or citizenship card, is required.

During this transition period, travellers who do not present the appropriate documents may be delayed while U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify their citizenship and identity. Travellers may also be given an information sheet explaining the new procedures. The intent of this transition period is to raise awareness of the change, educate travellers and allow ample time for them to obtain the necessary documents.

Note: Canadian citizens entering the United States by land but exiting by air must present a valid passport or a NEXUS card in compliance with U.S. air exit requirements. Refer to the air travel requirements for more information.

U.S. entry requirements as of June 1, 2009, for Canadian citizens travelling by land or water.

Entry requirements to the United States have not changed for non-Canadian citizens, including permanent residents residing in Canada. For more information on U.S. entry requirements, consult the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Web site.

Air ports of entry

Canadian citizens travelling by air to, through or from the United States must present one of the following valid documents:

• a passport; or
• a NEXUS card when used at a kiosk at designated Canadian airports and at all U.S. airports when returning to Canada.

This requirement applies to all travellers, regardless of age, including children.

Note: Under U.S. law, all travellers (including Canadians) departing the United States by air to any destination (including Canada) must present a valid passport (or a NEXUS card for return to Canada only). For example, if a Canadian citizen enters the United States by land by presenting acceptable documents other than a passport, and then plans to board a flight in the United States destined for Mexico (i.e. an international destination other than Canada), a valid passport is required for the air travel portion. Similarly, if a Canadian citizen drives to the United States and returns to Canada by air, a valid passport or a NEXUS card must be presented to board the plane. It is important to note that a passport is not mandatory for air travel within the United States.

Canadian citizens intending to fly to, through or from the United States should apply for a passport, keep it up to date and carry it with them when travelling. For more information about passports, please visit Passport Canada's Web site.

The NEXUS program offers a simplified and expedited border clearance process to low-risk, pre-approved travellers. For more information, visit the NEXUS Web site.

For information on the new Passenger Protect program for air travel within Canada, please visit Transport Canada's Web site.

Document requirements for Canadian children

Canadian citizens travelling by air to, through or from the United States must present one of the following valid documents:

• a passport; or
• a NEXUS card when used at a kiosk at designated Canadian airports and at all U.S. airports when returning to Canada.

This requirement applies to all travellers, regardless of age, including children.

Refer to the air travel requirements for more information.

Upon full implementation of the U.S. WHTI on June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens 15 years of age or under will only be required to present proof of Canadian citizenship, such as an original or a photocopy of a birth certificate, or a citizenship card, when entering the United States by land or water. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof of Canadian citizenship alone.

Since January 31, 2008, and until May 31, 2009, Canadian citizens aged 18 and under are only required to present proof of Canadian citizenship, such as an original or a photocopy of a birth certificate, or a citizenship card, when entering the United States by land or water.

Refer to the document requirements for land or water modes for more information.

Permanent residents

Entry requirements to the United States have not changed for non-Canadian citizens aged 18 and under, including permanent residents residing in Canada. For more information on U.S. entry requirements, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Web site.

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