Going south for the winter?

If you’ve got the winter blues and are thinking about heading to the United States for some sunshine, make sure you have the right identification with you, or you’ll be staying here in the chilly north! As of January 31, 2008 a U.S. law called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require all Canadians travelling by land or sea to present the following type(s) of I.D. before being able to enter the U.S.:

• a government-issued photo I.D., such as a driver’s license, AND a birth certificate or citizenship card; OR
• a valid Canadian passport; OR
• a NEXUS or a Free and Secure Trade card; OR
• A birth certificate for children 18 and under.

These rules are different from those for going to the U.S. by air. Canadians flying to the U.S. must have a valid Canadian passport or NEXUS card, regardless of age – this has been the case since January 2007.

You will find more information about documents required for travel to the United States on the Canada Border Services Agency website at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/.