Passport Requirements From the United States to Canada

When you venture from the United States to Canada by air, you must present a passport at check-in, at security checkpoints and potentially prior to boarding your flight. Be sure to keep your passport handy during your flight to fill out immigration documents that are distributed by the airline prior to landing in Canada to make immigration faster.

For entry to Canada by land or by sea from the United States, U.S. citizens are not required to present a passport, but are required to present proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. For your return trip to the United States, you will need a passport, NEXUS card, enhanced driver's license, military ID with travel order or an American Indian card for entry (Western Hemisphere). The only exception is for closed-loop cruises that start at a port in the United States. and then return to the same U.S. port. Closed-loop cruises only require proof of citizenship and proof of identity for travel.

The NEXUS trusted traveler program allows expedited travel between the United States and Canada. Frequent travelers between the two countries are encouraged to obtain a NEXUS card to decrease immigration wait times. (NEXUS)

Children under 16 need a passport to travel to and from Canada by air, but only need proof of citizenship to enter by sea or by land. Proof of citizenship through a certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad or naturalization documents are needed for the return trip to the United States by sea or land.

If you travel to Canada for longer than 180 days, a visa is required. A visa may also be required for work, educational or immigration purposes. U.S. citizens with a criminal record need a waiver from the Canadian government for entry into Canada. This waiver must be obtained prior to entry, or you may be denied entry into Canada.