Travelers over the age of 16 are required to present a valid U.S.-issued passport, a military ID with travel orders, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner card or a NEXUS card. The NEXUS program is designed for frequent travelers between the United States and Canada. You can apply for the program and pay a fee, then be issued a card that you can present instead of your passport at border checkpoints to expedite your travel.
Children who are traveling with only one parent, grandparent or guardian should have a letter from the non-accompanying parent that gives permission for the child to travel with the accompanying person. Single custodial parents should carry copies of the documents that grant them custody. Children under 18 years old who are traveling alone should have a letter from a parent or guardian authorizing the trip.
Children under 16 years old may present a copy of their birth certificate or a naturalization certificate as proof of citizenship in lieu of a passport. Children who are 16 to 18 years old and traveling with a school group may also present a copy of a birth certificate or a naturalization certificate in lieu of a passport.
If you've been convicted of a crime, including drunken driving, you can be denied entry into Canada. You can apply for an exception, but this must be done at least two weeks in advance of your visit to Canada and preferably longer. You'll need to pay a processing fee along with your application. Depending on the nature of your offense and how long it has been since you were convicted, you may be granted a waiver and be allowed to enter the country.
