You may need different types of documentation to cross the border between the U.S. and Canada depending on whether you are crossing by land, air, rail, or water. In addition, the documentation requirements to enter the two countries are slightly different. Generally speaking, the documents needed to enter Canada are somewhat less strict than the documents needed to enter the United States. However, if you are crossing over the border twice, you should focus on the more restrictive American requirements, and you should then be covered for Canada as well.
To avoid problems when you arrive at the border, you should be sure to review the following pages:
- The Border Inspection Experience
- Clearing Customs
- You should also visit our page for the specific border crossing you will be using for a description of that port with real-time traffic information, traffic cameras, wait times, and road conditions.
- If you are crossing the border with minor children, you should read our page which details the special requirements for Traveling With Children.
We describe each of the types of travel documents you can use in detail on a separate page titled “Types of Documentation.”
Why do I need the proper documentation?
As a general rule, neither country will prevent one of its own citizens from re-entering the country and returning home – even if you lack the preferred documentation. However, you may be subjected to a secondary screening.
At that time, officers will evaluate whatever evidence you present proving who you are and your country of origin. They will also attempt to verify that information against available databases. Obviously, this will take considerably longer than a normal entry and there is no assurance that you will be allowed to proceed into the country. However, you can be admitted to either country without the preferred documentation at the discretion of the border officials.
Don’t lie. Be careful about misrepresenting something regarding admissibility. Both countries track every border crossing event and you will most likely be banned from future crossings if you are caught lying.
Documents Needed to Enter the United States
There are different documentation requirements depending on how you are entering the country. Some of these documents have significant lead times, and could delay your trip if you do not order them early enough.
American Citizens
- American citizens arriving by land or sea must produce one of the documents below to enter the country. If you are driving across the border, be sure to also check the section at the bottom of the page about the paperwork you need for your vehicle.
- Passport
- United States Passport Card
- Trusted Traveler Cards – NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST
- Global Entry Card
- Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Identification Card – EDL / EIC.
- Military ID or Merchant Marine Document
- Must be traveling on official orders or maritime business, respectively
- Family members over 15 years old must still present passports
- Enhanced Tribal Card
- Children under 15 may, of course, present a passport as well, but there are also the following options:
- Birth certificate (an original copy)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Naturalization Certificate
- These rules also apply for children 16-18 if they are traveling with a group (school group, sports team, etc.).
- Closed loop cruises (which begin and end at the same U.S. port)
- You can re-enter the United States with only a birth certificate and government-issued photo I.D. But remember – if your cruise visits other countries, you’ll probably need your passport for those anyway!
- American citizens arriving by air must produce one of the following to enter the country:
When traveling by air, check whether you’ll be flying into an airport that lets you use Mobile Passport Control. Through the app, you can enter your personal details and travel plans, and your interactions with the CBP (Customs and Border Patrol) officer will go much more quickly and smoothly. You’ll still need to present your passport, but they’ll have your information pulled up ahead of time and can verify everything more quickly. Important: Only download the official version of the app, as third-party apps won’t be accepted and may misuse your private information.
Non-citizens entering the United States
To enter the United States as a citizen of another country, you will need one of the documents below. If you are driving across the border, be sure to also check the section at the bottom of the page about the paperwork you need for your vehicle.
- Valid Passport
- The U.S. often requires that travelers from some countries (including Canada) have passports that are valid at the time they cross the border and are good for up to 6 months after your intended departure date.
- If your passport is expired, you will most likely be sent for a secondary inspection. Your entry into the U.S. will be at the discretion of the border official.
- Canadian citizens may use:
- Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Identification Card – EDL / EIC.
- Trusted Traveler Cards – NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST
- Lawful permanent residents need to present their Lawful Permanent Resident card (Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence status
- Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 can use a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy.
- Also applies to children under 19 if they’re traveling with a group (school trip, sports team, etc.).
Depending on your country of origin and your reason for traveling, you may need to get a visa as well. Visitors from Canada and Bermuda, in addition to visitors from the 39 countries in the Visa Waiver Program, do not require visas.
Documents Needed to Enter Canada
To cross the border into Canada, you will need one or more of the documents listed below. If you are driving across the border, be sure to also check the section at the bottom of the page about the paperwork you need for your vehicle.
- American Citizens:
- Passport: not required, but strongly recommended by the Canadian Border Services Agency.
- Alternatives: paperwork that shows proof of American citizenship. Examples include:
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of citizenship or naturalization, plus a photo ID
- Certificate of Indian Status, plus a photo ID
- Remember, you will need to comply with the stricter U.S. entry requirements to return to the U.S.
- You no longer need to use ArriveCan to enter Canada although it may speed up your border crossing. Through the app, you’ll fill out information about yourself and the people you’re traveling with, as well as your travel plans. Important: Only download the ArriveCAN app from the official source. The Canadian government has safety precautions in place to protect your personal data, but third-party apps may try to scam users. Be cautious.
- For Canadians returning to Canada:
- Passport: not required, but strongly recommended by the Canadian Border Services Agency.
- Alternatives: proof of citizenship and a photo identification card. Other forms of identification can include:
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)
- NEXUS card
- Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card
- Canadian citizenship card
- Certificate of Indian Status
- Birth certificate in combination with either a driver’s license or a government-issued photo identification.
- Note: these other forms of documentation may cause significant delay and trigger secondary screening as border officers try to verify your information.
Requirements to cross the United States / Canadian Border by car
- Driver’s license: The driver of the car must have a valid license.
- Vehicle registration: Border officials are always on the lookout for stolen vehicles, or people trying to avoid duties on vehicles purchased out of country.
- Proof of insurance: It’s recommended that you bring your vehicle’s insurance paperwork.
Documentation required when driving a car you don’t own across the border
- Borrowed vehicle: Alarm bells will go off anytime you try to cross the border in a privately owned car that is not yours. This is especially true if you fly across the border, and then try to come back in someone else’s personal vehicle. See our page on Crossing the Border in a Borrowed Vehicle for instructions and a sample permission letter you should bring.
- Rental Cars: Generally speaking, an American citizen can cross the border in a rental car without much problem. It is a bit more complicated for Canadian citizens. We have a separate page with much more detail on taking a rental car across the border.
Ferries and Small Boats
Passengers on ferries and small boat operators are processed just like travelers entering the U.S. through a land border. You must present acceptable documentation as if you are driving. An I-68 form is not enough by itself.