Air Travel to the United States

Canadian citizens flying to or through the United States must present a valid Canadian passport to confirm their citizenship and identity. A NEXUS card when used at a kiosk at participating airports is also acceptable.

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

Land and Sea Travel to the United States

Until summer 2008 at the earliest, Canadian citizens driving or boating to the United States DO NOT need a passport to cross the Canada-U.S. border.

On June 20, 2007, the U.S. government issued for public comment its proposed rule for the implementation of the WHTI at land and sea ports of entry. The rule is expected to be finalized in fall 2007 and could be put into effect within a minimum of 60 days. The rule proposes the following:

• Beginning January 31, 2008, oral declarations of identity and citizenship will no longer be accepted. Canadian and U.S. citizens will require government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s licence, together with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, to enter the United States by land and sea.
• Canadian and U.S. citizens under the age of 16, and those 16 to 18 years of age travelling in supervised groups, will be permitted to present a certified* birth certificate instead of a passport.
• As early as summer 2008, all Canadian citizens (excluding children) travelling by land or sea will be required to present a valid Canadian passport, a NEXUS card or a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, or other secure document considered acceptable by the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

A valid Canadian passport, NEXUS card and FAST card (for highway commercial travel only) are always acceptable travel documents to enter the United States by land or sea. 

*All Canadian birth certificates issued by a province or territory are certified

NEXUS

The NEXUS program is designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States by air, land and sea. NEXUS members can use self-serve kiosks at participating airports, dedicated lanes at land borders and report in advance by telephone at marine ports of entry. For more details, visit the NEXUS Web site at www.nexus.gc.ca.

FAST

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a commercial process offered to pre-approved importers, carriers and registered drivers. Shipments for approved companies, transported by approved carriers using registered drivers, are cleared into either Canada or the United States with greater speed and certainty, and at a reduced cost of compliance.