American entry into Canada by land

Cars approaching Canada border at White Rock, BC in Canada from Blaine, WA in the U.S.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents entering Canada by land must carry proper documentation and meet entry criteria set by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Travelers must also meet U.S. re-entry requirements.

1. 1. Visitor Entry into Canada

Entry into Canada is determined by CBSA officials in accordance with Canadian law. Visitors must possess necessary travel documentation, be in good health, and satisfy an immigration officer of ties to their country of origin, such as a job, home, and family. They must also prove they will leave Canada at the end of their visit and have sufficient funds for their stay. All personal items and vehicles are subject to search.

1. 1. Documentation

Canadian law requires proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport or passport card is preferred. Alternatively, a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or another document proving U.S. nationality, along with a government-issued photo ID, are acceptable.

1. 1. 1. Enhanced Driver's Licenses

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington meets the requirements for re-entering the U.S. via land or water borders and serves as proof of identity and citizenship for entering Canada.

1. 1. 1. NEXUS/FAST

NEXUS and FAST programs expedite border clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Membership in these programs allows use of dedicated lanes.

1. 1. 1. United States Permanent Residents

U.S. permanent residents must show their Permanent Resident Card (green card). No passport or visa is required.

1. 1. 1. Minors 16 and Under

Children under 16 need proof of U.S. citizenship. A letter from a parent or guardian is required for unaccompanied minors under 18, stating the traveler's name and trip duration.

1. 1. 1. Documentation for Vehicles

Persons driving into Canada must have their vehicle's registration document and proof of insurance.

1. 1. Visas and Admissibility

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits up to 180 days. For other purposes (work, study, immigration), appropriate entry status is required. Some individuals may be inadmissible due to security, health, financial, or criminal reasons.

1. 1. 1. Avoiding Inadmissibility

Documents such as bank statements, income tax records, and employment proof can reduce doubts about financial support and intent to return.

1. 1. 1. Criminal Inadmissibility

A single criminal conviction can lead to exclusion from Canada. Individuals with a conviction must have received a pardon, applied for rehabilitation, or obtained a temporary resident permit.

1. 1. Return Entry into the U.S.

U.S. citizens aged 16 and older traveling into the U.S. from Canada by land must present documents denoting citizenship and identity, such as a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver’s license. Children under 16 need only a birth certificate.

1. 1. Expedited Entry

Frequent travelers are urged to join the NEXUS trusted traveler program for expedited border crossings.

1. 1. See Also

• Canada–United States border
• List of Canada–United States border crossings
• Canada–United States relations
• United States border security concerns

1. 1. References

This article "American entry into Canada by land" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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