Although American and Canadian citizens had enjoyed a long tradition of an open border, complete with passport-free travel, security concerns after Sept. 11, 2001, led to stricter vetting of all travelers.
With just more than 100 million active U.S. passports currently issued, fully two-thirds of American citizens no longer have adequate documentation to allow travel to Canada based on current requirements.
Passports, issued by the U.S. State Department and valid for 10 years, serve as a secure, government-issued photo proof of identity and citizenship.
In addition to a passport, the U.S. recognizes the passport card and WHTI-compliant travel documents (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) such as enhanced driver's licenses and trusted traveler program cards as approved identification.
The United States and Canada began requiring passports or their equivalent for American citizens entering and exiting Canada by air on Jan. 23, 2007, and by land and sea on June 1, 2009 (with the same identification required for re-entry into the U.S.).
While the U.S. and Canada accept U.S. passports and alternate documentation for exit and re-entry, other countries might have additional requirements, and regulations that should be checked before traveling.
