A valid Canadian passport will allow you to enter the United States by land, air or sea at any port of entry. Both adults and children can get passports. To acquire a passport, you must fill out a passport application form and provide two identical passport photos, a processing fee, and proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a Certificate of Birth or a Certificate of Citizenship. Visit the Passport Canada website to download passport application forms with detailed instructions:
www.ppt.gc.ca
Canadians who travel to the United States frequently can enroll in the NEXUS program, which allows low-risk travelers to gain entry into the United States with less hassle. Like a passport, a NEXUS card enables a traveler to enter the United States by land, air or sea at any port of entry. NEXUS cardholders also can swipe their cards at NEXUS kiosks in Canadian airports or use designated NEXUS lanes when entering by land, which can greatly reduce time spent clearing security at an airport or border crossing. To obtain a NEXUS card, you must provide proof of Canadian citizenship, proof of residency and a processing fee. Visit the NEXUS website to apply online or download a paper application:
www.cbsa.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html
Commercial truck drivers can enroll in the FAST program, which will allow entry into the United States by land via dedicated FAST lanes at border crossings. FAST applicants must provide proof of citizenship, proof of residency and a processing fee. Canadians with an Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EIC) may enter the United States by land or sea. As of August 2010, the provinces of British Colombia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec offer EDL/EIC licensing. Visit the WHTI website for more information:
www.getyouhome.gov
Children of any age who are traveling to the United States by air must present either a valid Canadian passport or a NEXUS card. Children 15 years of age or younger who are traveling to the United States by land or sea may instead use a birth certificate, a Canadian Citizenship Card, a Naturalization Certificate or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. These documents may also be used by groups of children 18 years of age or younger who are entering the United States by land or sea with a school or religious group. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has been working to create WHTI-compliant documents for use by Native and Aboriginal peoples. Visit the INAC website if you are unsure about the eligibility of your tribal identification:
www.ainc-inac.gc.ca
