Passport Information to Travel to Canada

If you've traveled to Canada from the U.S. in the past, you might be surprised at how travel restrictions between the two countries have increased. Even if you've never gone to Canada before, it's best to know beforehand what documents you'll need so you don't get turned around at the border due to lack of papers. A passport is probably the best option for most travelers; however, those who frequently cross the border have many options.

Documents

If you're travelling into Canada by plane, sea or air, you will need a passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document. Not all WHTI-compliant documents can be used for air travel between Canada and the United States.

Passport Card

A passport card is a WHTI compliant document that you can order through the State Department. It's cheaper to get than a full passport book, and you can put it in your wallet. However, it can only be used for land or sea travel to Canada.

NEXUS Card

A NEXUS card is useful for frequent travelers between the U.S. and Canada; they are valid for land, air and sea travel. These cards allow travelers expedited passage through customs and border control, but applicants must interview and pay a fee.

Enhanced Driver's License

If you live in Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington, you can get an enhanced driver's license that will let you cross into Canada by land or sea. The license contains an RFID chip and barcode that can be easily scanned by border agents.

FAST/Express Card

The FAST/Express Card is available for commercial truck drivers and permits easy land crossings between the U.S. and Canada.

References

• U.S. Department of State--Passport Card
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Travel
• Department of Homeland Security--Enhanced Driver's Licenses: What Are They?