Air Travel to the United States

Canadian citizens flying to, through or from the United States must present a valid passport to confirm their citizenship and identity. A NEXUS card, when used at kiosks at participating Canadian airports and at all U.S. airports when returning to Canada, is also acceptable.

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

NOTE: All travellers (including Canadians) departing the United States by air to any destination (including Canada) must present a valid passport (or NEXUS card for return to Canada only). For example, if a Canadian citizen enters the United States by land by presenting acceptable documents other than a passport, and then plans to board a flight in the United States destined for Mexico (i.e. an international destination other than Canada), a valid passport is required for the air travel. Similarly, if  a Canadian citizen drives to the United States and returns to Canada by air, a valid passport or a NEXUS card must be presented to board the plane. It is important to note that a passport is not mandatory for air travel within the United States.

Land and Water Travel to the United States Until May 31, 2009

Canadian citizens entering the United States by land or water currently DO NOT need a valid passport to cross the Canada–U.S. border.

Since January 31, 2008, and until May 31, 2009, Canadian and U.S. citizens must present government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's licence, together with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a Canadian citizenship card, to enter the United States by land or water. Canadian citizens can also use a valid passport, a NEXUS card, a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, an enhanced driver's licence (EDL), an enhanced identification card (EIC) or a Certificate of Indian Status. Canadian and U.S. citizens 18 years of age and under must present only proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

During this transition period, travellers who do not present the appropriate documents may be delayed while U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify their citizenship and identity. Travellers may be given an information sheet explaining the new procedures. The intent of this transition period is to raise awareness of the change, educate travellers and allow ample time for them to obtain the necessary documents.

Land and Water Travel to the United States as of June 1, 2009
Upon full implementation of the U.S. WHTI on June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens will be required to present one of the following valid WHTI-compliant documents when entering the United States by land or water:

• a passport; 
• a NEXUS card; 
• a FAST card; or
• an EDL or an EIC from a province or territory where a U.S.-approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented.

The Government of Canada is seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to accept the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status as a WHTI-compliant document. If accepted, the document could be used when entering the United States by land and water when the U.S. WHTI is fully implemented on June 1, 2009. For more information on the Certificate of Indian Status, visit the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Web site (www.inac.gc.ca).

Canadian citizens 15 years of age or under will only require proof of Canadian citizenship, such as an original or a copy of a birth certificate, or a 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.

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 water. NEXUS members can use self-serve kiosks at participating Canadian airports and at all U.S. airports when returning to Canada, use dedicated lanes at land border crossings and report their arrival in advance by telephone at marine ports of entry. For more details, visit the NEXUS Web site (www.nexus.gc.ca).

FAST card

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is offered to pre-approved commercial importers, carriers and registered drivers. Through FAST, 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.

Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)

An EDL is a secure driver's licence that denotes a person's identity and citizenship and will be issued by certain provinces and territories. The objective is to provide Canadian and American citizens with a convenient option that will allow for spontaneous travel across the shared border. The EIC will offer the same advantages as an EDL for those holders who do not drive.

In January 2008, British Columbia launched the first phase of its EDL program and there have been 521 voluntary applicants. In April 2009, the province announced it will fully implement its EDL/EIC program. For more information, visit the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia's Web site (www.icbc.com).

In January 2009, Manitoba launched its EIC program and is now accepting EIC applications. For more information on Manitoba's EIC program, visit Manitoba Public Insurance's Web site (www.mpi.mb.ca).

In March 2009, Quebec launched its EDL program and is now accepting applications and issuing EDLs. For more information, visit the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec Web site (www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca).