Travel Reminders for Visiting Canada

Visiting friends or relatives in Canada this summer? A visit to Canada begins with a stop at a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) port of entry. Proper planning can help ensure you have a worry-free cross-border trip. Here are a few tips to get you on your way.

Carry appropriate identification

Except for citizens of the United States, all travellers entering Canada are required to have a valid passport and/or travel document. Visitors from some countries will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). To find out if you need a visa, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site.

Citizens of the United States should carry proof of their citizenship. A passport is ideal, however, a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, or naturalization certificate, when presented with valid photo identification such as a drivers licence will also be accepted. Permanent residents of the U.S. should bring their green card.

What Citizens Of The U.S. Should Know When Traveling To Canada

The aim of officials at Canadian border and ports of entry is to facilitate the entry of visitors into Canada when possible. However they must also ensure the persons who are inadmissible to Canada, those that seek to contravene our laws, are prevented from entering.

With this in mind, all persons seeking to come into Canada must undergo "an examination," a procedure by which an Immigration Officer determines whether a person seeking to come into Canada may be allowed to do so. They will speak to you about your visit. It will usually be a quick interview. Examinations are conducted in a courteous and efficient manner, and information provided by the traveler remains confidential. The traveler has the obligation of establishing his or her admissibility to Canada.

Travel by Air

Beginning January 23, 2007, All persons, including U.S. Citizens, travelling by air between the United States and Canada (including in transit passengers who are transferring planes in the U.S.) will be required to present a valid passport or Air NEXUS card or return to the U.S.A.

Travel by Land and Sea

Visitors can continue to use such documents as their birth certificates and drivers' licences to cross the Canada-U.S. border by land and sea (including ferries). After June 2009 you will need a passport to enter of re-enter the U.S.A.
American visitors may be asked to verify their citizenship with such documents as a passport or a birth certificate. Naturalised U.S. citizens should carry a naturalization certificate. Permanent U.S. residents who are not citizens are advised to bring their Alien Registration Receipt Card (Green Card).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CROSSING THE BORDER INTO CANADA

QUESTIONS ABOUT CROSSING THE BORDER INTO CANADA.

Q. What identification do I need to cross the border?

A. Travel by Air: Beginning January 23, 2007, All persons, including U.S. Citizens, travelling by air between the United States and Canada (including in transit passengers who are transferring planes in the U.S.) will be required to present a valid passport or Air NEXUS card or return to the U.S.