| The rules and regulations for crossing the US | | | | Travel visas are not currently required for |
| Canadian border by land have changed over the | | | | short term land travel across Canadian/US |
| years. It's sometimes difficult to determine | | | | borders. Children (ages 18 and under) who |
| what kind of documentation (i.e. US | | | | cross the border with a verified adult will |
| passport), if any, is required for a routine, | | | | need to have either a current US passport or |
| short-term US/Canadian border crossing. | | | | documentation verifying citizenship (i.e. a |
| Knowing the facts before crossing the US | | | | birth certificate or naturalization |
| Canadian border by land will help save you | | | | certificate.) |
| time and trouble on your trip and lead to | | | | |
| fewer delays at border patrol. | | | | When the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative |
| | | | becomes fully operational on June 1, 2009, |
| The US Department of Homeland Security, in | | | | all citizens over the age of 15 will be |
| cooperation with Canadian, Mexican and other | | | | required to supply one of the following forms |
| Western Hemisphere country officials, has | | | | of identification when crossing the US |
| made a number of changes to border crossing | | | | Canadian border by land: |
| regulations and requirements in recent years. | | | | |
| The changes have been implemented in stages, | | | | * A valid US passport. |
| with grace periods allowing some lenience for | | | | |
| certain types of travel and travelers. The | | | | * Government-issued proof of identity with |
| department has used media campaigns as well | | | | photo AND proof of citizenship. |
| as word-of-mouth education to inform | | | | |
| travelers of the most recent changes in | | | | All governments involved in the Western |
| regulations regarding crossing the US | | | | Hemisphere Travel Initiative are strongly |
| Canadian border by land, which went into | | | | recommending that citizens apply for and |
| effect on January 31, 2008. These changes | | | | carry a US passport when crossing the US |
| were made in anticipation of the full | | | | Canadian border by land. A US passport is |
| implementation of the Western Hemisphere | | | | the only universally accepted form of travel |
| Travel Initiative on June 1, 2009. | | | | documentation. Carrying a US passport will |
| | | | greatly reduce your chances of being delayed |
| Current regulations for crossing the US | | | | at the border, whether crossing into Canada |
| Canadian border by land state that all adult | | | | or back home to the United States. Travelers |
| visitors (ages 19 and up) must present the | | | | who do not possess a US passport may be |
| following documentation at the border | | | | looked upon with suspicion, even if other |
| | | | documentation is in order. Border officials |
| * A current, valid US passport OR | | | | on both sides reserve the right to detain |
| | | | travelers or refuse entry altogether if they |
| * One form of government-issued | | | | feel that something is amiss. That's why the |
| identification which bears a photo (i.e. a | | | | U.S. Department of Homeland Security is |
| driver's license) PLUS | | | | urging all citizens to obtain a US passport. |
| | | | In the end, it ensures smooth border |
| * Proof of citizenship (i.e. birth | | | | crossings both for travelers and for border |
| certificate or naturalization certificate.) | | | | agents. |