News Release

National 2009

Canadians encouraged to prepare for document requirements to enter the United States by land and water

Ottawa, Ontario, March 4, 2009 -- The Government of Canada reminds Canadian citizens to prepare now for any travel plans to the United States by applying for an accepted document to enter the United States under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The WHTI is a U.S. law that requires all travellers, including Canadian and American citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere.

"This Government has worked vigorously with the United States to ensure that legitimate trade and travel across our borders are not disrupted as a result of the new document requirements under WHTI," said the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety. "Our efforts have lead to the recognition of enhanced driver's licences and enhanced identification cards as acceptable alternatives to passports."

Starting June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens will be required to present a valid passport, a NEXUS or Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, or an enhanced driver's licence/enhanced identification card when seeking to enter the United States at its land or water crossings. Canadian citizens 15 years of age or under will only require proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a Canadian citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent may also present proof of Canadian citizenship alone.

The U.S. document requirements for air travel took effect in January 2007, and require Canadian citizens flying to, through or from the United States to present a valid passport or a valid NEXUS card when used at a NEXUS kiosk at participating Canadian airports or at any U.S. airport when returning to Canada. The air travel requirements apply to all Canadian citizens, regardless of age, including children.

For more information about U.S. entry requirements for Canadian citizens and how to apply for a WHTI-compliant document, visit the Canada Border Services Agency Web site.

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For media information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency – Headquarters
613-957-6500

Backgrounder

U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Compliant Documents

NEXUS Card

NEXUS is a joint Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program designed to enhance security while expediting the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States. Under the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), a NEXUS card may be presented when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere by air, land and water. For more information and to start the enrolment process, visit the NEXUS Web site.

Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Card

The FAST program is a joint CBSA and CBP commercial clearance program designed to ensure safety and security while expediting legitimate trade across the Canada-U.S. border. Under the U.S. WHTI, a FAST card may be presented when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere by land and water only. For more information and to start the enrolment process visit the CBSA Web site.

Passport

The Government of Canada continues to recommend that Canadian citizens carry a valid passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the United States. A passport is the only universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada. Under the U.S. WHTI, a valid passport may be presented when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere by air, land and water. Do not wait until June 1, 2009 and the summer travel season; apply for your passport today. Get ahead by applying for your passport online. Canadian citizens can send in their completed applications in person, by mail, or use Service Canada or Canada Post services.

Enhanced Driver's Licence/Enhanced Identification Card

The Government of Canada's efforts have led to the acceptance in principle by the U.S. government of enhanced driver's licences/enhanced identification cards (EDL/EIC) as alternatives to the passport for entry into the United States at its land and water ports of entry. The EDL is a secure driver's licence that denotes a person's identity and Canadian citizenship and will be issued by certain provinces and territories. The EIC will offer the same advantages as an EDL for those who do not drive or who do not want to obtain an EDL.

British Columbia

To date, British Columbia is the only province or territory in Canada to issue EDLs. Phase 1 of British Columbia's EDL program with 521 voluntary applicants was launched in January 2008 and the province is working towards full implementation of its EDL program this spring. For more information visit the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia's Web site.

Manitoba

Manitoba launched its EIC program on January 19, 2009 and is now accepting applications. For more information and to apply, visit the Manitoba Public Insurance Web site.

Youth

Under the U.S. WHTI, Canadian citizens 15 years of age or under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a Canadian citizenship card when entering the United States by land or water. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or 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 when entering the United States by land or water.

The air travel requirements apply to all Canadian citizens, regardless of age, including children. Canadian citizens flying to, through, or from the United States are required to present a valid passport or a valid NEXUS card when used at a NEXUS kiosk at participating Canadian airports or at any U.S. airport when returning to Canada.

For more information about U.S. entry requirements for Canadian citizens, visit the CBSA Web site.