Entry Requirements

Passports

For an up-to-date, country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go to the "Foreign Entry Requirement" webpage of the U.S. State Department site at http://travel.state.gov.

The U.S. Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that travelers to and from Canada (and other neighboring countries) have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or reenter the United States. The goal of the initiative is to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.

The implementation of these new travel document requirements has been anything but clear and methodical, with the deadline for full compliance with the new border security laws pushed out further and further into the future.

At press time, here are the document requirements for travelers between the U.S. and Canada, as taken from the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html (be sure to consult this website for the latest information if you are planning to cross the border using any other documents besides a valid passport):

All persons traveling by air between the United States and Canada are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or reenter the United States. A birth certificate and photo ID is not acceptable for air travel.

For persons traveling by land or sea between the U.S. and Canada, the situation remains a bit murkier. By January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant travel document. These include passports, passport cards (high-tech identity cards which are still under development), trusted traveler cards such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. military identification card when traveling on official orders. For the time being, U.S. citizens (not Canadians) can still cross the border using a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate (use an original, as photocopies can be refused).

However, WHTI does demand the eventual requirement for passports or other secure, accepted travel documents (not a driver's license and birth certificate) at land and sea border crossings, perhaps as early as summer 2008. Clearly, to avoid any potential hassles, it is easiest for U.S. citizens to simply procure a passport and use it as documentation when crossing into and returning from Canada.

Permanent U.S. residents who aren't U.S. citizens must be prepared to present their Alien Registration Cards (green cards). If you plan to drive into Canada, be sure to bring your car's registration papers and proof of insurance.

An important point: Any person under 18 traveling alone requires a letter from a parent or guardian granting him or her permission to travel to Canada. The letter must state the traveler's name and the duration of the trip. It's essential that teenagers carry proof of identity, usually a passport, though see the above website for alternatives; otherwise, their letter is useless at the border.

Although it is rare, immigration officials may prevent the entry of visitors who appear to pose a health risk, those they doubt will be able to support themselves and their dependents in Canada, or those whose willingness and means to return to their home country is in doubt. Also, immigration officials can prevent the entry of foreign nationals who have a criminal record. This includes any convictions for driving while intoxicated; anyone with a felony conviction will find it very challenging to enter Canada.

Bringing Children into Canada

If you are traveling with children under age 18, you should carry identification for each child. Passports are best, though birth certificates are still accepted, though this may change. Divorced parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. When traveling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should travel in the same vehicle as the children when arriving at the border. Customs officers are looking for missing children and may ask questions about the children who are traveling with you.

Visas

Citizens of the U.S., most European countries, most former British colonies, and certain other countries (Israel, Korea, and Japan, for instance) do not need visas but must carry passports to enter Canada. Entry visas are required for citizens of more than 130 countries. Entry visas must be applied for and received from the Canadian embassy in your home country. For more information on entry requirements to Canada, see the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website visitors' services page at www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp.