Travelers headed to the United States from Canada must have a passport. Whether you are traveling by car, bus, train, plane or boat, a passport is needed. The only exception is for travelers under 15 years of age coming by land or water, in which case only proof of citizenship is required. Proof can be an original birth certificate or citizenship card. Travelers under the age of 18, when traveling with a school or organized group, may also present proof of citizenship for entry.
Travelers entering the United States from Canada may not bring any flammable liquids, firearms or other weapons, counterfeit currency, goods manufactured through prison labor, and any items used for hate, propaganda, treason or crimes of sedition.
Furthermore, travelers are not allowed to bring any meats or fruits into the United States. Travelers must declare any meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, animals or animal products that are entering the United States. If you declare everything, you will avoid getting into trouble and the customs officer will be able to quickly determine what is and isn't allowed.
Travelers going to the United States have a certain amount of "personal exemptions" available to them. This is the total value of the merchandise coming into the country. Depending on what country you are traveling from your personal exception ranges from $200 to $1600.
There are also limits on the amount of tobacco and alcohol you can bring into the country without paying duty taxes.
If you are flying into the United States, you must have an up-to-date passport. The new Secure Flight Program also calls for the full name (as it appears on the passport), date of birth and gender of all flight passengers to be provided by the airline 72 hours before takeoff. Passports are needed for all passengers regardless of age.
NEXUS is a quick pass identification method used to cross into the United States. Passes can be issued to non-risk, pre-approved travelers.
Travelers headed to the United State by car must carry a passport, a NEXUS card, a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, or an Enhanced Identification Card. Children are the only exemption, if they are under 15 years of age and traveling with an adult or under years of age 18 and traveling with an organized group.
