Travel and identification documents for entering Canada (2024)

From: Canada Border Services Agency

Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children or minors travelling with you. You must be able to confirm your legal right or authorization to enter Canada at the border.

On this page

  • Residents returning to Canada
  • Travel with children and minors
  • International visitors to Canada
  • Electronic Travel Authorization
  • Fake websites
  • Related links

Residents returning to Canada

Carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the United States (U.S.). It is the only universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

  • Acceptable documents to denote identity and citizenship
  • Other acceptable documents for establishing Canadian citizenship
  • Other acceptable documents to support identity
  • Acceptable documents for establishing Registered Indian Status and identity

Acceptable documents to denote identity and citizenship

Upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry, travellers must satisfy a CBSA border services officer (BSO) that they meet the requirements for entry into Canada. For Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act, this can be done through questioning and through verifying documentation such as a:

  • Canadian passport
  • Canadian birth certificate
  • permanent residence card
  • citizenship card
  • Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or valid Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card

If you do not have a passport, and are returning to Canada, the following documents can denote identity and citizenship:

  • NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen, when entering Canada by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes
  • FAST card (Free and Secure Trade), issued to a Canadian citizen (when arriving by land or marine modes only)
  • Canadian emergency travel document
  • Canadian temporary passport
  • Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to present)
  • Enhanced driver's license issued by a Canadian province or territory
  • Enhanced identification/photo card issued by a Canadian province or territory

Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

Other acceptable documents for establishing Canadian citizenship

The following documents may be used to establish Canadian citizenship. Upon presentation by travellers, the documents should be supported by other government issued photo identification:

  • Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, to February 14, 1977)
  • Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
  • Certificate of naturalization (issued before January 1, 1947)
  • Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)
  • Provincial or territorial birth certificate (individuals born in Canada)

Other acceptable documents to support identity

The following documents may be used to establish your identity:

  • CANPASS card (air, corporate air, private air, remote area border crossing), held by a Canadian citizen
  • Commercial driver registration program card, held by a Canadian citizen
  • Provincial and territorial driver's license
  • Employment or student card with photo and signature
  • Provincial health insurance card
  • Provincial identity card
  • Canadian Forces identification
  • Police identification
  • Firearms acquisition certificate
  • Credit card
  • Vehicle insurance certificate
  • Vehicle registration

Acceptable documents for establishing Registered Indian Status and identity

Every person registered under the Indian Act can enter and remain in Canada by right as per subsectionA19(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), more commonly referred to as the Status card, is an identity document issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada confirming that the cardholder is registered as a Status Indian under the Indian Act.

Note: The Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) was replaced by the SCIS in2009. Existing versions of the CIS will remain valid until their renewal date.

If you plan to travel to or transit through the U.S., we encourage you to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the U.S.

For information on Canada-U.S. border-crossing issues, visit Crossing the Canada-U.S. border with a status card.

Travel with children and minors

When travelling with a minor, you should:

  • carry copies of any legal custody documents, such as custody rights, if applicable
  • arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the minor
  • carry a consent letter if:
    • you share custody of the minor and the other parent or legal guardian is not travelling with you
    • you are not the parent or legal guardian of the minor

A consent letter must include the custodial parents' or legal guardians':

  • full name
  • address
  • telephone number

Border services officers are always watching for missing children and may ask questions about any minors travelling with you.

To avoid delays, have your consent letter notarized to support its authenticity. For more information on consent letters and to download an interactive form, visit Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad.

More information

International visitors to Canada

Check Travel health measures

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.

International transport companies, such as airlines, must make sure that travellers have proper, valid travel documents. If you do not have the proper documents, you may be delayed or refused entry into Canada. What you need will depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with. Consult entry requirements by country.

When you enter Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if you are arriving from a country for which one is required. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website to learn more about what travel documents are required.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship, when arriving by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land and marine modes only.

Permanent residents of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

All visitors arriving from or transiting through the U.S. are encouraged to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the U.S.

Electronic Travel Authorization

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada.

Exceptions, or visa and eTA-exempt foreign nationals, include:

  • U.S. citizens
  • U.S Lawful Permanent Residents
  • travellers with a valid Canadian visa
  • Other exceptions

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents do not need to apply for an eTA.

Foreign nationals from select visa-required countries may also travel to or through Canada by air using an eTA, if eligible.

Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute.

More information

Fake websites

Travellers who apply for an eTA are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA. These companies are not operating on behalf of the Government of Canada. Many have established websites that charge a fee to provide information and submit eTA applications.

This Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an Electronic Travel Application.

Related links

Travel and identification documents for entering Canada (2024)

FAQs

What travel documents are required to enter Canada? ›

When you travel to Canada make sure you have:
  • your letter of introduction.
  • valid passport or travel document. if you're visa-required, it must contain the visa sticker that we put in it. if you need an eTA and you're flying to a Canadian airport, it must be the passport that's electronically link to your eTA.
Feb 29, 2024

What form of ID is needed to enter Canada? ›

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.

Can I use my ID and birth certificate to cross the border to Canada? ›

For U.S. citizens, a passport or visa is not required. Instead, a birth certificate and one photo identification card may be used; however, a photo identification card by itself is not enough. For permanent residents of the United States, “Green Cards” may be used in lieu of their passports.

What documents do I need to cross the US border from Canada by car? ›

Travel by land or water
  1. a valid passport.
  2. a Trusted Traveler Program card.
  3. an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented.
  4. a Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

Can I use my birth certificate to go to Canada? ›

U.S. citizens wishing to enter Canada by land or boat and that don't have a U.S. passport need to carry proof of their citizenship, like a birth certificate or certificate of citizenship.

Do I need a passport to go to Canada if I have a real ID? ›

Q: Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID? If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.

Can I go into Canada with an enhanced driver's license? ›

Enhanced Driver's Licenses are only valid for land and marine crossings, however, so you will not be able to fly to Canada with it as your only form of identification.

Can I use my enhanced license to go to Canada? ›

If you are planning to travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean, an enhanced driver license (EDL) or an enhanced non-driver photo ID card (ENDID) is an acceptable form of identification to enter the U.S. by land or sea. The U.S. passport card is another option for land and sea border travel.

Can I drive in Canada with a U.S. license? ›

When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen: Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico. In other countries, you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers.

What forms of ID are acceptable to cross the border? ›

Documents You Will Need

All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.

Can you cross Canada border with U.S. ID? ›

U.S. Passport. U.S. Passport Card. Enhanced Driver's License (Issued by New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington only. Please note, REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada.)

What is proof of US citizenship? ›

The only acceptable evidence includes one of the following:

Copy of U.S. civil issued birth certificate. Copy of alien registration card. Copy of naturalization/citizenship certificate.

What is required for US citizen to cross into Canada? ›

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification.

Can a US citizen enter the U.S. without a passport? ›

You are not allowed to enter on your foreign passport, because U.S. law requires all U.S. citizens to enter and depart the U.S. on a valid U.S. passport. U.S. citizens are not eligible for a U.S. visa.

What to expect when crossing the Canadian border by car? ›

What do I need to know about crossing the border? Documentation: Passport, passport card (US), permanent resident card (US only) or Enhanced Driver License required. If people of your nationality require a visa to enter Canada, you'll need that too.

What is a Nexus card and how do I get one? ›

Nexus was created for low-risk, preapproved travelers to help speed up border crossings between Canada and the U.S. All Nexus members receive a Nexus card when their membership is approved.

Can I go to Canada with an enhanced license? ›

Enhanced Driver's Licenses are only valid for land and marine crossings, however, so you will not be able to fly to Canada with it as your only form of identification. An Enhanced Driver's License or EDL can enable a US citizen to visit Canada for both leisure and business purposes.

Can you travel to Canada with a felony? ›

Any U.S Citizen or permanent resident that has a felony conviction on their criminal record may be deemed inadmissible to Canada for the purposes of immigrating, or even if they're merely coming to Canada to visit.

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