Gone are the days when all you needed to drive across the border was your birth certificate (or citizenship card) and a piece of government-issued photo ID like your driver’s licence. As of June 1, 2009, entry requirements for travel into the United States by land or water have changed as a result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).

The WHTI is a U.S. law that requires all travellers to present a valid passport or other approved documentation when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere.

Canadians entering the United States by land or water

When entering the U.S., Canadian citizens will have to present one of the following WHTI-approved documents:

• a valid passport
• an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province where an approved program has been implemented
• a NEXUS card
• a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card
• a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (where available and approved by the U.S.)

There are exceptions for children. For example, if you are travelling with someone who is 15 or under, all they’ll need is proof of Canadian citizenship, such as:

• an original or a photocopy of a birth certificate; or
• a citizenship card

Of course, other documentation may be required that is unrelated to proving their citizenship. You’ll want to make sure you have everything in order when travelling with children or groups of children.

Canadians re-entering Canada

The rules for Canadians coming home have not changed. When returning home from the U.S., Canadian citizens must present a:

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

Always be sure that you have the proper documents for yourself as well as any children travelling with you to ensure that your return is hassle-free.

For up-to-date information about the documentation needed to enter the United States or to return home to Canada visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.

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.

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Looking for more information about entry requirements when travelling?

• Read: Do you have what it takes to get into Canada?