If you are a Canadian citizen planning to travel to the United States, you may be wondering what kind of documents you need to cross the border. The answer depends on how you are traveling, how long you are staying, and what your purpose of visit is.
In this blog post, we will unveil the different types of travel documents that Canadians can use to enter the USA and the requirements and restrictions that apply to each one.
Canadian Travel Documents for USA Entry
Canadians do not need a passport to enter the United States by land or sea. However, they must have a valid passport or NEXUS card to enter by air.
Canadians can also use a valid Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) to enter the United States by land or sea from certain ports of entry. The NEXUS card is a program that allows pre-approved travelers to cross the border between the United States and Canada at designated NEXUS kiosks.
The EDL is a driver’s license that is enhanced with security features that make it more difficult to counterfeit. Canadians who are traveling to the United States for tourism or business purposes do not need a visa.
However, they may need to obtain a visa if they are traveling to the United States for other purposes, such as study or work.
Children
Children who are Canadian citizens have different document requirements depending on their age and mode of travel.
By Air
Children who are traveling to the USA by air must present a valid passport, or a NEXUS card if they are departing from Canada.
By Land or Sea
Children who are 15 years old and younger and traveling to the USA by land or sea can present an original or copy of their birth certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card. Children who are 16 and older must have a valid passport or one of the other documents mentioned above for adults.
If children are traveling with a school group, religious group, social/cultural organization, or sports team, they can also present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card, regardless of their age. The group should also provide a letter on organizational letterhead that contains the following information:
- The name of the group and supervising adult
- A list of the children on the trip, with their primary home address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child
- A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent for each participating child
Special Cases
Some Canadians may need a visa or other special documents to enter the USA, depending on their purpose of visit, background, or citizenship status.
Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the USA for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. However, they must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to their travel.
ESTA is an online application system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the USA under the VWP. Starting from October 1, 2022, all VWP travelers who intend to enter the USA by land must also obtain an approved ESTA prior to their arrival at land border ports of entry.
CBP encourages travelers to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours in advance of their anticipated arrival. Residents of Canada who are landed immigrants and citizens of a country eligible for the VWP do not need a visa to enter the USA by land, but they do need a valid passport and an approved ESTA.
Treaty Traders and Investors
Canadians who are coming to the USA to engage in trade or investment activities under a treaty between Canada and the USA must have a visa to enter the USA. They can apply for an E-1 (treaty trader) or E-2 (treaty investor) visa at a U.S. consulate in Canada.
Affiliated Persons of U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents
Canadians who are married to, engaged to, or related to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident must have a visa to enter the USA unless they are only visiting for a short period of time and can prove that they have no intention of staying permanently or working in the USA. They can apply for a K-1 (fiancé or fiancée) or K-3 (spouse) visa at a U.S. consulate in Canada.
Summary
We have unveiled the different types of travel documents that Canadians can use to enter the USA and the requirements and restrictions that apply to each one. Here is a summary table that shows the main points:
| Mode of travel | Document required | Validity period | Special cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| By air | Passport or NEXUS card | Until the date of departure | Visa Waiver Program, treaty traders and investors, family, fiancés, and fiancées |
| By land or sea | Passport, EDL, EIC, or NEXUS, FAST/EXPRES, or SENTRI card | Up to six months | Visa Waiver Program, treaty traders and investors, family, fiancés, and fiancées |
| Children by air | Passport or NEXUS card | Until the date of departure | None |
| Children by land or sea | Birth certificate, citizenship card, or passport, EDL, EIC, or NEXUS, FAST/EXPRES, or SENTRI card | Up to six months | Groups of children |
Cost Overview
When planning a trip to the United States, Canadian citizens need to consider the costs associated with obtaining the necessary travel documents. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses for different types of documents:
1. Passport
- Adult Passport (10-year validity): Approximately CAD 160.
- Child Passport (5-year validity): Around CAD 57.
- Expedited Services: Additional fees apply for urgent processing.
2. NEXUS Card
- Application Fee: CAD 50 for a five-year membership.
- Renewal Fee: Same as the application fee.
- Children: No fee for applicants under 18.
3. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
- Cost: Varies by province, generally around CAD 40 to CAD 50, in addition to the regular driver’s license fee.
- Renewal: Similar to the initial cost, subject to provincial regulations.
Additional Considerations
- Processing Times: It’s important to factor in the processing time for each document, as expedited services can significantly increase the cost.
- Validity Period: The cost-effectiveness of each document can be evaluated based on its validity period. For instance, a 10-year adult passport offers a longer validity compared to other documents.
- Travel Frequency: Frequent travelers might find the NEXUS card to be a cost-effective and convenient option.
FAQ
Can a Canadian health card be used to enter the USA?
No, a provincial health card is not an acceptable travel document for entering the USA. Canadian citizens must use a valid passport, NEXUS card, or Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) depending on their mode of travel.
What should dual Canadian citizens use for USA travel?
Canadian citizens with dual citizenship should travel with the passport of the country they will be entering after leaving the USA. If they are returning to Canada, they should use their Canadian passport.
Can Canadian Permanent Residents enter the USA with a PR card?
Canadian Permanent Residents cannot use their PR card as a travel document to enter the USA. They must use their passport from their country of citizenship and may also require a visa depending on their nationality.
Is a birth certificate enough for Canadian adults entering the USA by land or sea?
No, a Canadian birth certificate is not sufficient for adults. Adults need a valid passport, NEXUS card, or Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), for land or sea entry into the USA.
Should Canadians carry proof of return to Canada when visiting the USA?
While it’s not a strict requirement, carrying proof of intent to return to Canada, such as a return ticket or proof of employment or residence in Canada, can be helpful during border checks to establish that the visit to the USA is temporary.
Do Canadians need special documents for medical travel to the USA?
Canadians traveling to the USA for medical treatment should carry a letter from their doctor outlining the medical reasons for their visit and any appointments arranged with U.S. medical facilities. While this is not a mandatory document for entry, it can facilitate smoother processing at the border.
Final Words
In conclusion, Canadian citizens planning a trip to the United States have various options for travel documents, depending on their mode of travel and purpose of visit. While a passport or NEXUS card is mandatory for air travel, land or sea entries can be made with a passport or Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL).
Children have specific requirements based on their age and travel method. Additionally, certain circumstances like the Visa Waiver Program, treaty traders and investors, and family members of U.S. citizens or permanent residents may necessitate additional documents or visas.
Getting to know these requirements ensures a smooth and compliant entry into the USA. This guide serves as a comprehensive overview, helping Canadian travelers prepare adequately for their journey.