New U.S. Entry Requirements

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The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a new U.S. law requiring all travellers, including Canadians, to carry a passport or other appropriate secure documentation when travelling to the United States.

Air Travel
As of January 23, 2007, Canadians entering or transiting the United States by air must present a valid Canadian passport or NEXUS card (at kiosks at designated airports) to confirm their citizenship and identity. Canadians flying to the United States should apply for a passport, keep it up-to-date and carry it with them when travelling.

Land and Sea Travel
The same entry requirements for land and sea travel to the United States will come into effect at a later time. Canadians can continue to use such documents as their birth certificates and driver's licences to cross the Canada-U.S. border by land and sea until the WHTI is fully implemented.

Canadian Passport
The Government of Canada continues to recommend that travellers carry a valid Canadian passport when visiting all destinations abroad, including the United States. A passport is the only universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada. To learn how to obtain a Canadian passport, visit Passport Canada’s website.

NEXUS Card
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 designated airports, employ dedicated lanes at land borders and report by telephone at marine ports of entry. For details on NEXUS, visit www.nexus.gc.ca or call 1-866-NEXUS-26.

More Information
For up-to-date information on the WHTI, visit www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/menu-eng.html. Or contact the Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada by telephone (1-800-267-6788 or 613-944-6788), TTY (1-800-394-3472 or 613-944-1310) or e-mail (voyage@international.gc.ca).

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Consular Services

Consular Affairs Bureau
www.voyage.gc.ca

General
Tel.: 1-800-267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-6788
TTY: 1-800-394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-1310
E-mail: voyage@international.gc.ca

Emergencies
Tel.: 613-996-8885
(call collect from abroad where available)
E-mail: sos@international.gc.ca

The Consular Affairs Bureau publishes, in both official languages, a series of safe travel brochures.

Country Travel Reports provide information on safety and security conditions, health issues and entry requirements for approximately 200 travel destinations. This information is also available by telephone: 1-800-267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-6788.

Canadian government offices abroad
www.voyage.gc.ca/alt/canoffices.asp

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