ID Requirements

Cross-Border Travel Identification Requirements

What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)?

Since 9/11/2001 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was working to enhance the level of security when entering the United States. As part of that work, the DHS implemented WHTI to facilitate entry for American citizens and legitimate foreign visitors, while strengthening U.S. border security by requiring standard identification requirements which enable the identity of a traveler to be confirmed quickly and reliably.

When crossing the Canada/U.S. Border, who is affected by WHTI?

In the past, American and Canadian citizens were exempt from the requirement of presenting passports to enter the United States. Effective June 1, 2009, both American and Canadian citizens are required to present a WHTI-compliant document for entry into the United States.

What are the identification requirements at the Canada/U.S. border?

Identification Requirements Effective June 1, 2009 

 

American Citizens
and
Canadian Citizens

 Other Citizens

Travelers 16 years of age and older

Enhanced Driver’s License
Enhanced Non-Driver Identification
FAST Card
NEXUS Card
Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
Passport
U.S. Passport Card

Passport
(other documents may be required – check with the Canada Border Services Agency or the U.S. Department of State prior to traveling)

Travelers 15 years of age and younger

Original or copy of birth certificate or other proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or Canadian citizenship card

Passport
(other documents may be required – check with the Canada Border Services Agency or the U.S. Department of State prior to traveling)

Travelers UNDER 19 years of age traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group

Original or copy of birth certificate or other proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or Canadian citizenship card

Other documents may be required – check with the Canada Border Services Agency or the U.S. Department of State prior to traveling

Native Americans

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is working with Native American tribes toward the development of an enhanced tribal card that complies with WHTI

 

Aboriginal Canadians

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada plans to issue a new identification card, which, if designated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, will be acceptable for entry into the U.S.

For additional information, visit
www.ainc-inac.gc.ca

 

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