You must show a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document to enter Canada. If entering by air, only a valid U.S. passport or NEXUS card are acceptable. If entering by land or by sea, a valid U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, enhanced driver's license, NEXUS card or FAST card are acceptable. Permanent residents must present their green cards.
Parents traveling with minors must present their children's birth certificates, proof of citizenship, such as a consular report of birth abroad, or a student visa. Divorced parents must bring custody documents and a written letter of consent from the absent parent. A written letter of consent is also necessary if the minor is traveling with another adult. Minors under 16, as well as organized groups under 19, need only present a birth certificate or proof of citizenship if entering by land or by sea.
Canada has set restrictions on the amount of tobacco products, alcohol and gifts you can bring into the country duty-free. The tobacco allowance is 50 cigars, 7 oz. of tobacco or 200 cigarettes. The liquor allowance is 53 oz. of wine, 40 oz. of liquor, 40 oz. of liquor and wine or 24 12 oz. cans of beer. Each gift you bring can be worth no more than $60 CAD.
You are permitted to bring pets into the country as long as they have a rabies vaccination certificate from a veterinarian. Hunting rifles and shotguns are permitted as long as you license and register them with Canadian authorities (see Resources).
You cannot bring handguns or pepper spray into Canada. Certain animals, plants, fruits and vegetables, meats and dairy products are also prohibited. To find out whether an animal, plant or food item you would like to bring into Canada is prohibited or restricted, check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Automated Import Reference System (see Resources). Remember that you must declare everything you have with you at customs.
