Entry into Canada from the U.S. requires one of three documents: a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, or a NEXUS card. A passport card, however, isn't acceptable when entering the country by air. NEXUS is a program run jointly by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency in order to allow certain travelers quick and easy access between the countries. In order to receive a NEXUS ID card, U.S. citizens must complete an application and registration process.
According to the U.S. Department of State, if a visitor to Canada doesn't have a U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card, there is an alternative for gaining entry into the country. This can be satisfied with a photo ID issued by a government agency, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, expired passport, or naturalization certificate. U.S. citizens under the age of 16 aren't required to furnish a photo ID, and proof U.S. citizenship is the only requirement for their entry into Canada.
A trip to Canada by a U.S. citizen inevitably requires a return visit home. According to the U.S. Department of State, when reentering the U.S. from Canada by air travel, U.S. citizens must show a valid U.S. passport. When reentering the U.S. by land or by sea, U.S. citizens are required to show a valid U.S. passport, NEXUS card, passport card, an enhanced drivers license, or any other document that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. For children under 16, only a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad is required for reentry to the U.S. from Canada.
According to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. travelers who access Canada from a country other than the U.S. are required to show a valid U.S. passport. U.S. visitors are permitted to stay in Canada for up to 180 days. For U.S. citizens who wish to study or work in Canada, the appropriate visa must also be obtained. Visa applications can be obtained from the Canadian Embassy, a consulate, or the Canadian immigration website.
