Wondering what is required for a visitor to Canada?

Passports & Trip Planning
Document Requirements For Travellers

If you are traveling by AIR between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda, you must present a valid passport.

If you are traveling by LAND between the United States and Canada and you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen age 19 and older, you must present either a valid passport or proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate), along with a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) as proof of identity when entering the United States through land ports of entry. Verbal claims of citizenship and identity alone will not be sufficient to establish identity and citizenship for entry into the United States.

If you are traveling by SEA (including cruises and ferries) between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, and you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen age 19 and older, you must present either a valid passport or proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate), along with a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) as proof of identity when entering the United States through sea ports of entry. Verbal claims of citizenship and identity alone will not be sufficient to establish identity and citizenship for entry into the United States.

Enhanced Driver's License Program

If you are a US citizen and a Washington State resident you are eligible to purchase an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) which will meet the requirements for proof of citizenship to re-enter the U.S. from Canada and Mexico by land or sea.

Further information for Washington residents is available at the Department of Licensing website.

If you are a Canadian citizen and a British Columbia resident, further information on Canada’s first Enhanced Driver’s License for British Columbia residents is available at the ICBC website.

Changes to land and sea travel, starting in June, 2009

Effective June 2009, travellers must present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the United States. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) have been formally identified as acceptable documentation requirements for land and sea crossings.

Traveling with minors

Children age 18 or under wishing to enter the U.S. will need to present a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or a passport to enter the U.S.

Traveller program cards

Trusted traveler program cards will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel.

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