Canadians now require passports for ALL travel to the US

[Mélanie Cox-Châble]

Last Updated: May 29, 2009 14:39 EDT
Still Valid: June 1, 2009 12:46 EDT
Originally Posted: October 12, 2006 11:07 EDT


Entry Requirements to the United States

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. law requiring all travellers, including Canadian citizens, to carry a passport or other appropriate secure documentation when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere.

Air Travel

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 kiosks in participating airports.

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

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.

The NEXUS program offers a simplified and expedited border clearance process to low-risk, pre-approved travellers.


Land and Water Travel


Starting June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens must present one of the following valid WHTI-compliant documents when entering the United States by land or water:

• <LI class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: black; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2">a passport; or<LI class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: black; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2">a NEXUS card; or<LI class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: black; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2">a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card; or<LI class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: black; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2">an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S.-approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented; or
• a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (when this certificate is available and approved by the United States).

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

Further Information and Assistance

The Government of Canada continues to recommend that Canadians carry a valid Canadian passport when visiting all destinations abroad. A passport is the only universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada. Canadians are not required to have Machine Readable Passports to enter the U.S., even if the passport was issued abroad. Canada is not a participant in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

Canadians who are permanent residents of the United States must comply with special entry requirements. For more information, see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Web site.

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

More information is available from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) web site.

In case of WHTI-related problems abroad, please contact the nearest Canadian Government Office for advice and assistance.

For advice on travel to the United States, see our Travel Report.

Entry Requirements to the United States