By Shiromi Nassreen
Concerns about border security haves resulted in a change to the guidelines for U.S. citizens entering
Canada. While years ago, a U.S. citizen might need only show proof of citizenship and identification, since June 1, 2009, the rules have changed, and visitors are required to show either a passport book, passport card or a travel document compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
Passport Card
Visitors from the United States traveling by land or sea to Canada may present a U.S. passport card instead of a passport book. The passport card is only valid for sea or land entry to Canada. If a traveler foresees a possible situation where they may need to return to the United States by plane, a passport book is recommended.
WHTI Documents
Another form of documentation acceptable for travel to Canada via land or sea is a document compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Documents that fit this category are trusted traveler cards such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST, state-issued enhanced driver's licenses, enhanced tribal cards, U.S. military ID cards accompanied with valid orders or U.S. Merchant Mariner documents so long as the traveler is on official business. However, certain WHTI documents are also valid for air travel as well: military ID cards with military orders are valid for air travel to Canada as are U.S. Merchant Mariner documents; U.S. permanent residents with a valid permanent resident card are able to travel to and from Canada by air; finally, travelers using the NEXUS card at a NEXUS kiosk located at Canadian preclearance airports are also able to travel by air. Information on preclearance airports can be found at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
Passport Book
For entry into Canada from the United States, via air (in addition to land and sea) visitors must present a valid U.S. passport book. In addition, if the traveler is traveling to or from a third country via the United States and Canada, the traveler will need to have a U.S. passport book.
About the Author:
Shiromi Nassreen is a British writer. She holds a B.A. in theatre studies from Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama and has been writing professionally for three years. She writes primarily travel and outdoor articles on Hawaii. Her articles have appeared in Dysfunkshion Magazine as well as Illusion Television and Matador Travel.
