Travelers entering Canada must have both proof of identity and proof of citizenship. For a U.S. citizen, this is a valid U.S. passport, a passport card or NEXUS card. If the traveler does not have these, he can show a government-issued photo ID and proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. birth certificate. To return to the U.S. by air, travelers are required to have a valid U.S. passport. To return by land or by sea, travelers are required to have either a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Drivers License or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document.
Because of an increased number of cases of international child abduction, children traveling with just one parent or guardian must have either proof of custody or a notarized letter from the other parent consenting to travel into Canada. Children are also required to have proof of citizenship. Children under age 18 who are traveling alone must have a letter from the parent authorizing travel into Canada.
Any traveler with a criminal record, including a drunk driving record, might be excluded from entering Canada. To file for a waiver of exclusion, you must contact the Canadian Embassy or Canadian Consulate in the U.S. and pay a fee. The process can take several weeks.
Travelers who are permanent residents of the U.S. must have their Alien Registration Card, or Green Card, to cross the border into Canada. Dual U.S.-Canadian citizens need to present themselves as a Canadian citizen upon entering Canada and as a U.S. citizen upon entering the U.S.
Travelers to Canada are allowed to bring in personal baggage for use during their trip. No duties or taxes must be paid as long as you bring these items back out with you. Personal baggage includes items such as clothes, camping equipment, cameras and your vehicle, and might have to be listed on a Customs Declaration Card. Small amounts of alcohol and tobacco products can be considered personal baggage as well. Gifts valued at CA$60 or less are permitted, but alcohol and tobacco are not considered gifts. Duties and taxes will be paid on gifts worth greater than CA$60.
A pet cat or dog that is less than three months old must be in good health, and does not need a vaccine certificate to cross the border into Canada. A pet cat or dog that is over three months old requires a rabies vaccine certificate signed and dated by a veterinarian. The certificate must also identify the animal by markings, color, sex, breed and age.
