Canada to the U.S. Travel: Tips, Requirements and Border Crossing Guide (2024) (2024)

No, U.S. citizens visiting Canada as a tourist do not need a visa to enter the country. According to the Government of Canada’s website, you only need a valid identity document like a passport to visit.

Whether you need a visa depends on your home country and method of travel. If you are not an American citizen but are entering the country from the U.S., you will need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Note that travel document requirements may differ for dual citizens.

Canada ended travel-related COVID-19 measures in October 2022, including health checks, coronavirus tests, proof of vaccination and quarantine rules. However, official advice still recommends you wear a mask while traveling and do not visit if showing COVID-19 symptoms.

You can stay up-to-date on health-related travel advisories by visiting the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website.

U.S. residents who are close to the border may choose to visit Canada by car. However, if you’re traveling from a state that is far away from Canada, you can fly to the country or catch a train, bus or ferry.

While U.S. citizens used to be able to enter Canada with a birth certificate, the country now requires additional forms of photo identification. The following documents are generally accepted at the Canadian border:

  • A U.S. passport
  • Passport card
  • NEXUS card

Certain states that share a land border with Canada, such as New York and Washington, may also allow you to use an enhanced driver’s license.

As with travel into Canada, the U.S. requires Canadians to show a passport or NEXUS card to enter the country. If you are traveling to a port of entry by car, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may also request to see your vehicle registration or other documentation.

Canada to the U.S. Travel: Tips, Requirements and Border Crossing Guide (2024) (2024)

FAQs

Canada to the U.S. Travel: Tips, Requirements and Border Crossing Guide (2024)? ›

As with travel into Canada, the U.S. requires Canadians to show a passport or NEXUS card to enter the country. If you are traveling to a port of entry by car, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may also request to see your vehicle registration or other documentation.

What do you need to cross the Canadian border by car in 2024? ›

U.S. citizens visiting Canada will be required to present one of the travel documents listed here:
  • U.S. Passport.
  • U.S. Passport Card.
  • Enhanced Driver's License (Issued by New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington only. ...
  • Trusted Traveler Program Cards such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards.

What do I need to cross border from Canada to USA? ›

a valid passport. a Trusted Traveler Program card. an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented.

What is the best time to cross the border from Canada to the US? ›

Plan your drive south so that you're crossing the border during the slowest times, which tend to be early mornings. Avoid extremely busy periods, such as weekend evenings and the Mondays of holiday long weekends.

What can you take from Canada to US? ›

As a general rule, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible. Because rice can often harbor insects, it is best to avoid bringing it into the United States. Some imported foods are also subject to requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What documents do I need to cross the US border from Canada by car? ›

  1. A passport.
  2. An enhanced drivers license.
  3. An enhanced identification card (Manitoba & British Columbia)
  4. A NEXUS Card (typically used by people in business that travel between Canada and the US regularly)
  5. A FAST Card.
  6. A Permanent Resident Card.

What documents do you need to cross the US border by car? ›

All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.

What are the requirements for entering the United States? ›

Gather Required Documentation
  • Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). ...
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.

Can a US citizen be denied entry back into the USA? ›

No, you are correct. A US citizen cannot be denied entry to the US.

When you cross the border, what do they check for? ›

What Information Do Immigration Officers in the U.S. Have?
  • Name.
  • Country of citizenship.
  • Home address.
  • Date of birth.
  • Method of travel.
  • Purpose of travel.

What to do before crossing US Canada border? ›

Crossing the border to Canada is Easy!
  1. submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
  2. provide proof of vaccination;
  3. undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
  4. carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
  5. monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.

How long is the wait at the Canada-U.S. border? ›

Current border wait times
CBSA OfficeCommercial FlowTravellers Flow
Aldergrove Aldergrove, BC/Lynden, WA5 minutes5 minutes
Pacific Highway Surrey, BC/Blaine, WA20 minutes5 minutes
Douglas Surrey, BC/Blaine, WANot Applicable5 minutes
Boundary Bay Delta, BC/Point Roberts, WANo DelayNo Delay
22 more rows

What to expect when crossing the Canadian border by car? ›

If you're arriving by land, follow the signs to the first checkpoint, also called “primary inspection.” Here, a border services officer will examine your identification and other travel documents and take your verbal declaration. Visit U.S. to Canada border wait times for estimated wait times at certain locations.

Can I go to Canada in 2024? ›

Canada is known for welcoming immigrants and has become a good choice for people who are looking for a fresh start. Just so you know, the Canadian government anticipates a staggering 1.2 million immigrants by 2024, and now's a great time to pin your name on that list.

What do I need to drive my car into Canada? ›

Road Trips and Border Crossing by Car

Americans will need to present a valid U.S. passport or other acceptable form of identification upon arrival to the country. It is also advised to keep your car registration documents available in case requested by the border patrol.

What are the rules for crossing the border in Canada? ›

Every traveller entering Canada must report to a border services officer and answer all their questions truthfully. Travellers must also report goods they are bringing with them, including food, plant and animal products. To ensure a smooth border crossing, have all required identification and travel documents in hand.

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