Canadian citizens do not need to obtain a visa in advance in order to apply for admission to the United States. A passport is not required to enter the U.S. except after a visit outside the Western Hemisphere. The only exceptions to the general visa waiver policy are for those individuals entering the U.S. as treaty traders or investors, as the fiance of a U.S. citizen or as immigrants. All travelers should be prepared to present documentary evidence of identity, citizenship, and (if applicable) resident status in Canada.

Planning to travel to the U.S. or Mexico?

Although the Government of Canada recommends that Canadians travelling to any destination outside of Canada carry a valid passport, it is not mandatory for travel to the United States or Mexico. To date, there is no policy change requiring Canadians to travel with their passports to these destinations. However, you must have sufficient identification to satisfy border officials of your identity and citizenship.

Travel between Canada & the USA

To travel as a visitor from/to Canada, to/from the USA, a valid passport is the preferred document but for a Canadian or US citizen an original birth certificate or a citizenship card/certificate plus a valid government issued picture ID are also accepted.