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?
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Identification Requirements Effective June 1, 2009 |
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American Citizens |
Other Citizens |
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Travelers 16 years of age and older |
Enhanced Driver’s License |
Passport |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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