Crossing the border is usually quick and painless, but these days many travellers are uncertain what is involved.  Recent changes may affect what documentation travellers need to visit Canada and return home.

This page lists the documents you need and provides general tips about crossing the border.

What Documents Do You Need?

You are responsible for having the right documents to cross the border.  These rules do change from time to time, so you may want to follow the links to the official sites or contact your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

Customs officers do not always ask for all your documents every time you cross the border, and so some people will claim you only need your driver's licence.  Please understand that customs officers have the power to turn you away from the country you are trying to visit; travelling without the right documents could ruin your vacation.

Citizens of the United States

Even though Canadian regulations have not changed, you'll need to follow the latest U.S. government rules in order to visit and return home hassle-free:

Flying Between Canada and the U.S.: U.S. citizens on flights between an American and Canadian airport require a valid passport.

Driving or Sailing Between Canada and the U.S.: U.S. citizens crossing the border by land or sea are expected to provide either:

Arriving From Other Countries: A valid passport is required, e.g. for an American citizen flying or sailing to Canada from Europe.

Eventually, a passport may be required for those adults to cross the border by land and sea, but not until June 2009 at the earliest.

Citizens of Canada

This section covers what Canadians need to leave Canada and return home.  If you're passing through the United States, you need to follow the latest U.S. government rules.

Flying Between Canada and the U.S.: Canadian citizens on flights between an American and Canadian airport require a valid passport.

Driving or Sailing Between Canada and the U.S.: Canadian citizens crossing the border by land or sea are expected to provide either:

  • A valid passport, or
  • Government issued photo ID (e.g. a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (typically a Canadian birth certificate or citizenship card), or
  • For children under the age of 18, proof of citizenship only (Canadian birth certificate or citizenship card).

Travelling To/From Other Countries: A valid passport is required for Canadians travelling to other countries, except Mexico.

Eventually, a passport may be required for Canadian adults to enter the U.S. by land or sea, but not until June 2009 at the earliest.

Citizens of Greenland and St. Pierre and Miquelon

Citizens of Greenland and St. Pierre and Miquelon may enter Canada by land and sea with proof of citizenship and identity other than a passport (unless entering from a third country, in which case a passport is mandatory).  

Citizens of Other Countries

Citizens of any other country require a valid passport to enter Canada.

Visitors from some countries may also require a Temporary Resident Visa in order to visit Canada, which you may apply for through a visa office in your own country. Sometimes other documentation will be asked for as well, such as a letter of invitation from a Canadian resident. For more information see the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.

The web site of the Canadian embassy, consulate, or high commission in your home country will have detailed information on what you need to enter Canada, and you can contact them with any questions.

General Tips and Special Situations

Interview by Border Officer

Carrying the required documents does not guarantee admission into Canada. Visitors will also undergo an interview with a Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer upon arrival to determine admissibility into the country. These interviews are generally short, and will be easier if you are sure to keep your relevant documentation close at hand.

A border screening agent will ask some or all of the following questions, "Where do you live? Citizens of what country? What is the purpose of your visit? How long will you be staying? Are you bringing anything to leave (gifts, etc)? Are you bringing in any firearms, tobacco or alcohol? Do you have any criminal convictions?"  If travelling with children, you may also be asked, " Do your children have proof of identity?"  To avoid delay, be prepared with simple straightforward answers to the questions. Remove any sunglasses, and look the agent in the eye when answering. If the agent has reason to suspect the validity of your answers, especially regarding identity, firearms, tobacco and alcohol, you will be asked to pull over and report inside the main customs building where you must produce identity papers and will likely undergo a vehicle search -- all of which can be very time consuming.

Travelling with Children

If a child is traveling with one parent, the border services official may require a letter of permission from the other parent or documentation that demonstrates that the lone parent is the child's sole guardian.  If a child is traveling with someone other than his or her guardian, border authorities will want to see a letter of permission from both of the child's parents / guardians.  Ideally, the letter should be notarized.  You can use this sample letter of consent as a starting point.

Travellers with Criminal Convictions, Including Impaired Driving

People with criminal convictions, including impaired driving convictions may have a problem when entering Canada, but it is at the discretion of the border guard whether to allow you into the country or pull you in for secondary inspection.  If you are pulled into the secondary inspection they will look into the matter and determine whether to let you continue on or turn you around. The more documentation and information you have to provide them the better (court documents, etc.). Generally speaking, although DUI or DWI offences are very serious crimes in Canada, they often will let you by if they can verify all your information. If in doubt, contact Immigration Canada or a Canadian embassy.

Restrictions on Firearms

Canadian firearms laws differ substantially from firearms laws in the United States. If you are considering bringing your firearm into Canada, make sure that you are familiar with the applicable laws; possession of certain firearms in Canada is illegal, and you may find that these firearms (called "prohibited weapons") will be seized at the border. Other firearms are legal, but subject to stringent regulations relating to their safe transportation and storage. Make sure you are familiar with these laws before you enter Canada. The Canadian Firearms Centre's fact sheet,  Firearm Users Visiting Canada, will answer some basic questions.