What documents do I need to cross into Canada?

Asked by: Ford Paucek  |  Last update: October 25, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (33 votes)

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.

What do you need to cross the Canadian border by car?

Ensure that you have proper identification for you and your family readily available. Acceptable forms of identification for entry into Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver's licence. Declare all purchases and have your receipts readily available.

What documents can I use to cross into Canada?

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

What do you need to cross the Canadian border for COVID?

For all travellers entering Canada by air, land or marine mode:
  1. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required.
  2. Pre-board testing is not required.
  3. COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required.
  4. Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required.
  5. Using ArriveCAN is not required, but.

Can you use your driver's license to get into Canada?

U.S. citizens and permanent residents entering Canada by land are required to possess the requisite documentation, such as a passport, driver's license, and other valid identification documents. They must also meet other criteria, such as passing security measures, before they are allowed entry into Canada.

What Travel Documents Are Required When Crossing Into Canada?

26 related questions found

Can I cross into Canada with just my ID?

Crossing the U.S.-Canada Border

U.S. citizens entering Canada by land must carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card, denoting membership in that Trusted Traveler Program, satisfies the requirement.

Can I drive through Canada without a passport?

What Documents Do I Need to Drive into Canada? Besides a valid passport book or another acceptable travel document, you must present a valid driver's license and a visa (if necessary). If you have minors in your car, they must have documentation proving your legal relationship with them.

Do I need a Covid test to pass the Canadian border?

As the pandemic situation evolved, Canada's COVID-19 measures at the border changed. Effective October 1, 2022, COVID-19 entry restrictions were removed, as well as testing, quarantine and isolation requirements, regardless of citizenship and vaccination status.

Do I need to be vaccinated to cross the Canadian border?

Canada ended its vaccination requirements for incoming travellers on October 1, 2022, but the U.S. continued to require proof of vaccination from Canadian residents crossing the border.

How do I cross the border to Canada?

Crossing the border to Canada is Easy!
  1. submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
  2. provide proof of vaccination;
  3. undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
  4. carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
  5. monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.

What documents can you use to cross the border?

When entering the United States, U.S. citizens are required to show passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST) or an Enhanced Driver's License. Resident aliens must possess a green card.

Can I use my birth certificate to cross the Canadian border?

For U.S. citizens, a passport or visa is not required. Instead, a birth certificate and one photo identification card may be used; however, a photo identification card by itself is not enough. For permanent residents of the United States, “Green Cards” may be used in lieu of their passports.

What do I need to cross the border with my car?

  1. Valid U.S. Passport or Green Card. ...
  2. Mexico Driving Insurance. ...
  3. Valid U.S. Driver's License. ...
  4. Vehicle Registration Document. ...
  5. Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit. ...
  6. Mexico Tourist Card (FMM Tourist Visa)

Can I cross the Canadian border with an enhanced driver's license?

Enhanced Driver's Licenses are only valid for land and marine crossings, however, so you will not be able to fly to Canada with it as your only form of identification. An Enhanced Driver's License or EDL can enable a US citizen to visit Canada for both leisure and business purposes.

Is there a fee to cross the border?

There's no entry fee at the border that you have to pay simply to be allowed into the United States or Canada. Traveling across the border is free – but the items you bring back with you are a different story. You may need to pay duties, a special kind of taxes, on some goods you bring across the border.

Do I need a passport to cross into Canada at Niagara Falls?

Yes. A Passport (or a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's License if coming by land) is required for crossing the border into Canada unless you are age 15 or younger.

How long does it take to walk across Rainbow Bridge Niagara Falls?

How long does it take to walk across Rainbow Bridge Niagara Falls? It takes around 5 minutes to walk across Rainbow Bridge. It can take up to an hour at the border if you are visiting on a national holiday.

How do you cross the Rainbow Bridge in Canada?

You can cross the bridge by auto, on foot or bicycle 24/7 every day of the year. Restrictions apply and you can read all about current border crossing information here. It's a great location for viewing Niagara Falls and the Niagara River.

Can I cross the Canadian border with just a passport?

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

Can I enter Canada without a passport as a Canadian?

No. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot apply for an eTA to enter Canada. You will need a valid Canadian passport to board your flight to Canada. A valid Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel document.

Can you cross the Canadian border with an expired passport?

All are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of your trip. To find out if you need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), complete the questionnaire on the Visit Canada page.

What pieces of ID do you need to travel in Canada?

Domestic air travel
  • passport.
  • citizenship card.
  • Canadian permanent resident card.
  • Canadian provincial or territorial driver's licence.
  • Canadian provincial or territorial health card.
  • Canadian provincial or territorial government identification cards.
  • birth certificate.

Can I go to Canada with REAL ID or passport?

You do not need a passport book if you plan to reach Canada via road. Instead, you can use WHTI-compliant documents like your passport card, a NEXUS/ SENTRI/ FAST card, or a REAL ID. You can also use a passport book if you have one.

What counts as valid ID Canada?

Which forms of valid identification are acceptable
  • passport. ...
  • driver's license.
  • enhanced driver's license.
  • Canadian military identification card.
  • government-issued identification card.
  • government-issued enhanced identification card.
  • health card.
  • Canadian citizenship card issued before February 1, 2012.

Do Canadians need a passport to cross the border by car?

As per the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), Canadian citizens aged 16 years and older must present one of the following documents when entering the United States by land or water: a valid passport. a Trusted Traveler Program card.