Passport Requirements and Border Crossing
Passport Requirements
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is new U.S. legislation that requires all travellers carry a valid passport or other appropriate secure document, or combination of documents that establish citizenship and identity when travelling to the United States from within the Western Hemisphere.
Since January 23, 2007, anyone travelling by AIR between the United States and Canada is required to present a valid passport or NEXUS card (when used at designated airports) to enter or re-enter the United States.
As of January 31, 2008, a passport is not mandatory for travelling between the United States and Canada by LAND or SEA/WATER (including cruises and ferries), however travellers are required to present one of the following:
- A government-issued photo ID such as a driver's licence, plus a proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate*
- A NEXUS or FAST Card
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licence (when available)
- U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
- A valid passport
* Beginning no earlier than June 2009, the combination of goverment-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship will no longer be acceptable documents for entry into the U.S.
What is NEXUS?
NEXUS is a joint program between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), that expedites the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States.
How do I get a NEXUS card?
To become a member in the NEXUS program, you must submit an application and go through a registration process, satisfy the eligibility criteria, be admissible in Canada and the United States, and pass risk assessments by both countries.
If you are approved to participate in NEXUS, you will receive a membership identification card to use when entering Canada or the United States at all participating NEXUS air, land and marine ports of entry.
More detailed information on the WHTI can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.
U.S./Canada Border Crossing
View U.S. Customs border crossing cams and wait times.
View Canada Customs border wait times.
Other Information for visitors to Canada
Information for visitors to Canada from the Canada Border Services Agency.
Tips for American travellers to Canada from The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs.
