Chances are you’ve heard that entry into the U.S. has become more difficult, even for a visit. After all, no matter how you plan to enter the U.S., whether by land, water or air you basically have to show a passport or some other form of documentation that the U.S. has determined to be equivalent. But what do you need to return home to Canada, or if planning a visit, to enter Canada?

Fact is the entry requirements for travel into Canada are not affected by the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).

The following is a summary of the information found on the Canada Border Services Agency website.

Canadians returning home to Canada

The rules for Canadians coming home have not changed. When returning home Canadian citizens must present a:

• Canadian birth certificate
• Canadian passport
• permanent residence card
• citizenship card, or
• certificate of Indian status

Americans entering Canada

Entry requirements for Americans entering Canada have not changed. If you are an American citizen entering Canada, whether by land, water, or air, you do not necessarily need a passport. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as:

• a birth certificate or certificate of citizenship or naturalization, and
• photo identification

If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., bring your permanent resident card (i.e. green card) with you.

Visitors entering Canada

When you enter Canada as a non-Canadian (other than a U.S. citizen), the Canada Border Services officer may ask to see both:

• your passport, and
• a valid visa (if you are arriving from a country from which one is required)

Whether you're coming or going...

Making sure you have the right travel insurance is just as important as having the right travel documents with you.

If you’re planning on a visit to Canada, Visitors to Canada travel insurance is a good idea no matter how long, or short, the visit. Canada’s well known health care system does not offer free medical care for visitors or tourists. For people coming to Canada without Visitors to Canada travel insurance coverage, health care can be costly.

Get online Visitors to Canada travel insurance quotes from competing travel insurance providers at Kanetix.ca.

Looking for more information about entry requirements when travelling?

• Read: Do you have what it takes to get into the United States?