Travel Documents
Visitors to Canada
Canadian and U.S. citizens travelling by car do not need a passport to cross the border.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a new U.S. law that will require all travellers, including Canadians, to carry a valid passport or other appropriate secure document when travelling to the United States from within the western hemisphere.
This is a change from prior travel requirements.
In order to continue to be able to travel to the United States by air after January 23, 2007, travellers are advised to have a valid passport.
What is a secure document?
The U.S. government released the final rules for air travel to the United States on November 24, 2006. The following items will be considered acceptable for entry into the United States from within the western hemisphere by air:
- A valid passport;
- A NEXUS Air membership when used at a NEXUS Air kiosk;
- A valid Merchant Mariner's Document for U.S. citizens; or
- Valid U.S. military identification and orders, when travelling on active duty.
The United States has yet to release the rules for land and sea travel; however, a passport will be valid for all modes of travel under the WHTI.
Other Travel Document Links
Peace Bridge Authority
www.peacebridge.com/tips.php
Niagara Falls Bridge Commission
www.niagarafallsbridges.com/crossing-border/index.htm
Canadian Embassywww.voyage.gc.ca/main/before/travel_us-en.asp U.S. Embassy http://usembassy.state.gov/
