Legal Documents Needed to Enter Canada From the USA

There are certain legal documents needed to enter Canada from the USA. Laws are subject to change, but, as of 2009, the rules require United States citizens to show a passport or legal proof of United States citizenship in order to legally enter Canada.

Visa

A visa is only required for United States citizens to enter Canada if the stay is going to last more than six months.

Passport

A current passport is an acceptable form of identification for United States citizens wanting to cross the U.S.-Canadian border.

Birth Certificate

If a resident of the Untied States does not have a valid U.S. passport, an enhanced driver's license--a license issued by some states that indicates both identity and citizenship status--can be used to enter Canada.

Children

The legal document that children who are traveling without their parents or guardians need to cross the U.S.-Canadian border is a notarized letter that states proof of custody or authorization for travel plans.

Pets

A dog or a cat can only be brought across the border if it is accompanied by a rabies certificate that has been signed by a licensed veterinarian. There are certain exceptions for dogs, such as seeing-eye dogs.