ID & Passport Guide

What ID do you need to enter the United States by land?

 

 

As of January 31, 2008, if you travel to the U.S. by land or water, a U.S. law will require you to present:

• a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence, PLUS a birth certificate or citizenship card;
  
  OR
  
  
• A valid passport;
  
  OR
  
  
• A NEXUS or a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card;
  
  OR
  
  
• An enhanced driver's licence;
  
  OR
  
  
• An Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card;
  
  OR
  
  
• For those 18 and under, a birth certificate.

Canadian citizens flying to or through the United States must present a valid Canadian passport. A NEXUS card when used at a kiosk at participating airports is also acceptable.

 

Canadian citizens will not require a passport or other secure document to enter the United States at land ports of entry until summer 2008 at the earliest. 

 

For more information, you may visit American Consular Services

 

Passports

 

For information on obtaining a Canadian passport, please visit Passport Canada.

 

The website will provide you with everything you need including passport eligibility, application and renewal processes, guarantor policies, estimated processing times, passport office locations and required application forms.

 

Traveling alone with minors

 

All adults traveling alone with minor children are strongly recommended to have a letter authorizing them to take the children on a trip out of the country. The letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or legal guardian can be reached and will confirm that the children are not being abducted or taken against their will.  Border services officers watch for missing children may ask detailed questions about the children who are traveling with you.

 

Divorced/separated parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents.