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