Travel and identification documents for entering Canada
From: Canada Border Services Agency
Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children or minors travelling with you.
On this page
- Residents or visitors flying into Canada
- Residents returning to Canada
- International visitors to Canada
- Travel with children and minors
- Related links
Residents or visitors flying into Canada
Your airline carrier will ask you for travel and identification documents before allowing you to board the aircraft. Being allowed to board does not mean you have the right or will be authorized to enter Canada. A border services officer will determine whether you can enter Canada when you arrive, by confirming your identity and citizenship.
More information
Residents returning to Canada
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act enter Canada by right. However, returning residents must still demonstrate to a border services officer that they meet the requirements for entering Canada. The officer will confirm your identity and your right to enter Canada through questioning and/or by verifying your documents.
Acceptable documents to denote identity and citizenship
If you have a Canadian passport
Carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the US. It is the only universally accepted identification document and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.
If you don’t have a Canadian passport
Oher acceptable documents that support identity and/or citizenship include, but are not limited to:
Travel documents
- Canadian emergency travel document
- Canadian temporary passport
- CANPASS authorization, held by a Canadian citizen
- Commercial driver registration program card, held by a Canadian citizen
- FAST card (Free and Secure Trade), held by a Canadian citizen
- NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen
Citizenship and immigration documents
- Canadian permanent residence card
- Canadian citizenship card
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to present)
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between , to )
- Certificate of retention (issued between , and )
- Certificate of naturalization (issued before )
- Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between , and , by Canadian citizenship authorities)
Provincial or territorial documents
- Birth certificate (individuals born in Canada)
- Driver's license
- Enhanced driver's license
- Enhanced identification/photo card
- Health insurance card
- Identity card
- Vehicle registration
Other valid documents
- Canadian Forces identification
- Employment or student card with photo and signature
- Police identification
- Firearms acquisition certificate
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card
- Vehicle insurance certificate
If you are a permanent resident with a NEXUS/FAST membership
Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.
If you are registered under the Indian Act
Every person registered under the Indian Act can enter and remain in Canada by right as per subsection A19(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), more commonly referred to as the Status card, is an identity document issued by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada confirming that the cardholder is registered as a Status Indian under the Indian Act.
Note: The Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) was replaced by the SCIS in 2019. Although both CIS and SCIS cards can be presented at the border to confirm status and right of entry (including expired CIS cards), we highly recommend travellers obtain a new SCIS.
If you plan to travel to or transit through the US, we encourage you to visit the US Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the US Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the US.
For information on Canada-US border-crossing issues, visit Crossing the Canada-US border with a status card.
More information
International visitors to Canada
Check Travel health measures
All international travellers must carry acceptable identification when entering Canada. A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when abroad.
Before making travel plans, learn about entry requirements by country.
What you need will depend on:
- where you are from
- how you are travelling
- what documents you are travelling with
In addition to your passport, you may need a travel authorization such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
Consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website to learn which authorization you need:
- Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada
- Find out if you are eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute.
Fake websites
Travellers who apply for an eTA are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA. These companies are not operating on behalf of the Government of Canada. Many have established websites that charge a fee to provide information and submit eTA applications.
This Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an Electronic Travel Application.
US citizens or permanent residents
If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a:
- passport
- birth certificate
- certificate of citizenship or naturalization
- certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification
- US Permanent Resident Card
If you are a US permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a US Permanent Resident Card.
Travel with children and minors
When travelling with a minor, you should:
- carry copies of any legal custody documents, such as custody rights, if applicable
- arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the minor
- carry a consent letter if:
- you share custody of the minor and the other parent or legal guardian is not travelling with you
- you are not the parent or legal guardian of the minor
A consent letter must include the custodial parents' or legal guardians':
- full name
- address
- telephone number
Border services officers are always watching for missing children and may ask questions about minors travelling with you.
To avoid delays, have your consent letter notarized to support its authenticity. For more information on consent letters and to download an interactive form, visit Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad.
More information
Related links
- Travelling with animals
- Lost, stolen, seized, inaccessible or damaged passports
- Programs for trusted travellers
- Find out if you can enter Canada
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