Immigration Tips
Entering Canada
Canadian Residents returning to Canada
A Canadian citizen may be required to prove citizenship by presenting either a passport or a government issued birth certificate and a photo identification document like a valid driver’s licence.
Visitors traveling to Canada
Visas are not required for U.S. citizens entering Canada. You will, however, need proof of your U.S. citizenship such as a passport or certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state in the U.S. where you were born, and photo identification such as valid driver’s licence. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen and do not have a passport, you should travel with your naturalization certificate.
Alien permanent residents of the U.S must present their Alien Registration Card, commonly known as a “Green Card”
If you are a dual U.S. /Canadian citizen then present yourself as a Canadian citizen.
Single parents, grandparents or guardians traveling with children to Canada often need proof of custody or notarized letters from the other parent authorizing travel. (This is in addition to proof of citizenship as explained above.)
Any person under the age of 18 and traveling alone should carry a letter from his/her parent or guardian authorizing the trip. Travelers without such documentation may experience delays on clearing customs.
Entering the United States
Don’t forget your Passort!
A passport or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document is required by Canadian citizens wishing entry into the United States.
WHTI documents Include:
- US or Canadian Passport;
- Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST/EXPRES);
- US Passport Card
- State or Provincial Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (When and where available)
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status
US Citizens returning to the US
It is not legal to deny a US citizen entry to the US. Theoretically this means that a US citizen only needs a government issued birth certificate and photo ID such as a driver’s licence when returning. However a WHTI compliant document will make things go a lot faster.
Secure Certificate of Indian Status.
The United States will still accept the current Indian Status Card as a WHTI compliant document while the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status is distributed.
Visitors to the U.S. from Outside the Western Hemisphere
In general, a nonimmigrant visitor to the U.S. from outside the Western Hemisphere must present a passport and nonimmigrant visa issued by a US Consular.
This is general information that is unofficial, subject to change and may not apply specifically to you. For current and comprehensive Customs and Immigration information, contact the U.S. and Canadian border protection agencies referenced below.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
www.cbp.gov
(315) 482-2261 (Alexandria Bay office)
Canada Border Services Agency:
www.cbsa.gc.ca
(613) 659-2301 (Lansdowne office)
