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Documents for entry into the United States

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    • Canadian Passport
      A passport is the only universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.
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    • 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.
      [ More ]
    • FAST card
      The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a commercial clearance program designed to ensure safety and security while expediting legitimate trade across the Canada-U.S. border.
      [ More ]
    • Enhanced driver's licence (EDL)/enhanced identification card (EIC)
      Under the U.S. WHTI, an EDL/EIC is an acceptable document to present when entering the United States by land or water only.
      [ More ]
    • Secure Certificate of Indian Status
      When this certificate is available and approved by the United States, it will be an acceptable document to present when entering the United States by land or water.
      [ More ]
IVHO

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

Find out what documents you need to enter the United States:

Air
Air
Land
Land
Water
Water
Children from 0 to 18 years old
Children


The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. law that requires all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere.

When entering the United States by land or water, Canadian citizens are required to present one of the following valid documents: a passport, a NEXUS card, a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card or an enhanced driver's licence/enhanced identification card or a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (when this certificate is available and approved by 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 is also acceptable when used at a kiosk at designated Canadian airports and at all U.S. airports when returning to Canada.

Note: Canadian entry requirements have not changed as a result of the U.S. WHTI.


Date Modified: 2009-06-19

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