U.S. Canadian Border Requirements

New Passport Rules Start June 1, 2009

May 28, 2009

A passport, a U.S. Passport Card, NEXUS, or an Enhanced Driver's License are acceptable forms of ID for crossing the U.S. Canadian border.

New ID requirements for crossing the U.S. and Canadian border by land or sea now apply as of June 1, 2009. These rules are based on the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which began as a result of 9/11.

Upon arrival into Canada, proof of citizenship is required. But Canada doesn’t require a passport (a photo ID and a government-issued document is still OK). It’s returning home to the United States that a passport — or proper ID — is required for proof of citizenship. Here’s a border crossing Q & A.

What are the Acceptable Forms of ID when Crossing the Canadian Border and Returning to the U. S.?

Documents that show proof of citizenship and comply with the WHTI for adults include:

A birth record, baptismal record, a Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization AND a photo ID are NO LONGER VALID forms of ID as of June 1, 2009. This is the same rule that applies to flying. The rule also applies if crossing the border and traveling by cruise ship or small boat. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens traveling to Canada.

Is a U.S. Passport Card a Valid Form of ID when Crossing the U.S. Canadian Border?

Yes. A U. S. Passport Card provides valid proof of citizenship for entry to and from the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda. But take note: it is not valid for international air travel.

What is an Enhanced Driver’s License?

An Enhanced Driver’s License provides identity while verifying citizenship and is a WHTI-compliant document for use between the U.S. and Canada by land or sea.

What is a NEXUS Card?

NEXUS falls under the WHTI’s Trusted Traveler Programs category, which includes NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST cards.

A NEXUS card isn’t a passport as it is only good for travel between the United States and Canada. But a NEXUS card pre-clears low-risk Canadians and Americans. NEXUS card approval includes an interview by both U.S. and Canadian Immigrations. A word of note: the NEXUS powers that be only inform of the interview date through their Web site. Missing the appointment means a re-application is necessary, besides being out the $50 fee.

The good news about NEXUS is that it usually offers a dedicated car lane, meaning NEXUS holders can bypass long lines at the border. That said, everyone traveling in the car needs their own NEXUS card. Even with a NEXUS card, all items must be declared. A NEXUS card currently costs $50 and is valid for five years.

While NEXUS was designed for northern border crossings, SENTRI for the southern border crossings, and FAST for commercial truckers, any of these cards can be used at all U.S., Canadian and Mexican land and sea ports of entry.

What is the Passport or ID Requirement for Children?

Children under the age of 16 arriving by land or sea do not need a passport. They will, however, need an original or copy of their birth certificate. A Naturalization Certificate or a Canadian Citizenship Card is also valid.

If a child is traveling with only one parent when both parents are alive, or if the party traveling with a child is not the child’s parent or guardian, a letter from the child’s parent granting permission to travel to Canada is required. Having this letter notarized is the best way to go.

For groups of U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 19 traveling with the likes of a school group, cultural organization, or sports team, an original or copy of their birth certificate, the Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card is acceptable.

U.S. and Canada Customs and Immigration Web Sites and Information

The copyright of the article U.S. Canadian Border Requirements in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Steven Howell. Permission to republish U.S. Canadian Border Requirements in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Jul 13, 2009 2:16 PM

Guest :

So here is a question. What if two parents who current live in the USA are traveling to Canada via BC and both have NEXUS passes. However, their newborn does not. Does the newborn need a NEXUS pass in order for the parents to use their NEXUS passes?

Jul 13, 2009 5:30 PM

Steven Howell :

For NEXUS information in the U.S. and Canada call 1-866-639-8726.

From the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Web site: “All applicants 18 years of age and older are required to submit the non-refundable $50 fee to participate in the NEXUS program. Children 17 years and younger are required to submit an application at no cost.”