Laws for crossing the Canadian border to the USA differ according to the citizenship of people trying to enter the country. For the most part, everyone is required to have the basic travel document for international travel---a valid passport. However, select populations have special circumstances that allow them to cross the border between Canada and the USA.
U.S. citizens reentering the USA at the Canadian border must have a passport to prove their citizenship, whether they are traveling by land or air. All adults and children should have this official documentation.
International travelers entering the USA via the Canadian border must have valid visas and passports. For additional information, travelers should visit the U.S. Embassy in their country in case they need other documents.
Canadian citizens crossing the Canadian border to the USA require documentation proving citizenship, such as passports and birth certificates and a valid driver's license.
Native American Travelers between the USA and Canadian borders need their official Indian and North Affairs Canada Card or Tribal Enrollment Cards to present to border patrol officers. The Kickapoo Band of Texas and the Tribe of Oklahoma members need Form I-872 American Indian Card.
Crossing the Canadian border to the USA via ferries and small boats has the same legal requirements as crossing the border by land.
