Travel to the U.S.
LEGAL INFORMATION TOPICS
As of June 1, 2009 a U.S. law called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require adult Canadians travelling by land or sea to provide either a valid passport or other WHTI approved document before being able to enter the U.S. Other approved WHTI documents are:
- a NEXUS or FAST card (what are these? click here)
- an enhanced driver's licence or ID card. An enhanced driver's licence or ID card is currently available in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, but is not yet available in Nova Scotia.
- a secure Certificate of Indian Status. More information about the secure Certificate of Indian Status is available on the Indian and Northern Affairs website, or call 1-800-567-9604.
There are some exceptions to the rules for children travelling by land or sea. Proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a birth certificate or citizenship card, will be accepted for children under 16, and for children under 19 who are on a school or other organized group trip for youth.
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.
Americans crossing the U.S./Canada border, whether by land, sea or air, must also follow the WHTI rules.
You can get more information about documents Canadians require for travel to the United States on the Canada Border Services Agency website, or from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
Americans can get information from any U.S. Consulate in Canada, including the U.S. Consulate General for Atlantic Canada in Halifax, or from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.