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Entry into Canada

U.S. Visitors to Canada

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens visiting Canada. You must show proof of your U.S. citizenship upon arrival – a passport is recommended. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, you must show proof of your citizenship as well as your U.S. Permanent Resident Card.

If you’re a NEXUS program member, you can present your NEXUS card as proof of identification and as a document denoting citizenship, when arriving by air, land or marine vessel. U.S. citizens who are members of the FAST program can use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land or marine modes only.

Note that passports are recommended for all modes of entry into Canada and may be required by your transportation provider. For more information, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.

International Visitors to Canada

All international travellers must carry a valid passport and (where required) a valid visa for entry into Canada. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website to see what specific travel documents you will need.

If you are a visa-exempt foreign national or a U.S. permanent resident and you are flying into Canada, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with valid Canadian visas. You are advised to apply for your eTA before booking your flight – it typically takes just a few minutes. If you are arriving by land or sea, you do not need an eTA.

When you enter Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. For information about documentation required and border procedures please visit the Canada Border Services Agency’s website.

Meeting and Convention Attendees: You may be asked for proof that you are attending a meeting or convention and it may be useful to have a copy of the meeting agenda and/or registration on hand. This may also be useful when returning to the U.S. should a similar question be asked.

Bringing Children to Canada

Children 15 years of age and under are now required to show proof of citizenship (a certified copy of their birth certificate is acceptable). They are not required to show photo ID. If you are travelling with children, you should carry identification for each child. Divorced parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should travel in the same vehicle as the children when arriving at the border. Customs officers are looking for missing children and may ask questions about the children who are travelling with you.

Returning to the United States

Depending on the length of stay, U.S. citizens are entitled to take goods back to the U.S. duty free. For information on U.S. customs regulations, please visit CBP.gov.

Travelling with Pets

Planning to travel with your pet? Under the National Animal Health Program, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) establishes requirements for all animals entering Canada. Click here for details.

Entry into Canada

U.S. Visitors to Canada

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens visiting Canada. You must show proof of your U.S. citizenship upon arrival – a passport is recommended. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, you must show proof of your citizenship as well as your U.S. Permanent Resident Card.

If you’re a NEXUS program member, you can present your NEXUS card as proof of identification and as a document denoting citizenship, when arriving by air, land or marine vessel. U.S. citizens who are members of the FAST program can use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land or marine modes only.

Note that passports are recommended for all modes of entry into Canada and may be required by your transportation provider. For more information, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.

International Visitors to Canada

All international travellers must carry a valid passport and (where required) a valid visa for entry into Canada. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website to see what specific travel documents you will need.

If you are a visa-exempt foreign national or a U.S. permanent resident and you are flying into Canada, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with valid Canadian visas. You are advised to apply for your eTA before booking your flight – it typically takes just a few minutes. If you are arriving by land or sea, you do not need an eTA.

When you enter Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. For information about documentation required and border procedures please visit the Canada Border Services Agency’s website.

Meeting and Convention Attendees: You may be asked for proof that you are attending a meeting or convention and it may be useful to have a copy of the meeting agenda and/or registration on hand. This may also be useful when returning to the U.S. should a similar question be asked.

Bringing Children to Canada

Children 15 years of age and under are now required to show proof of citizenship (a certified copy of their birth certificate is acceptable). They are not required to show photo ID. If you are travelling with children, you should carry identification for each child. Divorced parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should travel in the same vehicle as the children when arriving at the border. Customs officers are looking for missing children and may ask questions about the children who are travelling with you.

Returning to the United States

Depending on the length of stay, U.S. citizens are entitled to take goods back to the U.S. duty free. For information on U.S. customs regulations, please visit CBP.gov.

Travelling with Pets

Planning to travel with your pet? Under the National Animal Health Program, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) establishes requirements for all animals entering Canada. Click here for details.

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