Share
Learn more about what you need to travel to the U.S.
- International Visitors Checklist
- Visa Waiver Program Visitors
- Canadian and Mexican Residents
- How Do You Get a Visa?
- Pre-Arrival
- Returning Home
- Customer Service
- Helpful Tips
Canadian Citizens
Prior to Departure Entry Information
Canadian citizens traveling to the U.S. by land or sea will be required to present one of the travel documents listed below.
Canadian Passport – This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and citizenship. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.
Enhanced Driver’s Licence/Enhanced Identification Card– Canadian provinces have begun issuing these documents that denote identity and citizenship that are WHTI-compliant for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea.
Trusted Traveler Programs – NEXUS and FAST/Expres enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved travelers. FAST/Expres cards are valid for use at land or sea ports of entry; the NEXUS card can be used at land or sea ports of entry and at kiosks at participating airports.
For more information, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at www.getyouhome.gov.
Upon Entering the U.S.
Canadian citizens who receive a Form 1-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) at inspection or who require a waiver of inadmissibility are now required to provide biometrics when entering the United States. While the new regulation requires certain additional Canadian travelers to provide biometrics, most Canadian travelers continue to be exempt from US VISIT procedures.
Many countries around the world use biometrics as a way of facilitating the international travel process, protecting travelers against identity theft, and preventing document fraud as well as for security purposes.
For more information about these procedures please visit www.dhs.gov/us-visit.
Citizens of Other Countries
Prior to Departure Entry Information
For citizens of the current Visa Waiver Countries, travel for temporary business or pleasure for 90 days or less, does not require a Visa. A compliant passport and an approved travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required to enter the United States. An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years, or until the passport expires, and allows multiple entries into the U.S.
ESTA is a free, automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA application collects the same information collected on the Form I-94W. ESTA applications may be submitted any time prior to travel, though it is recommended travelers apply when they begin preparing travel plans. To apply now click here.
An approved ESTA is not a guarantee of admission to the United States. The CBP Officer has the final determination on admissibility. While in a transition phase, the paper form is still also required. The paper I-94W will eventually be phased out.
For more information on ESTA, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov/esta.
Upon Entering the United States
Upon entry into the United States your photograph and digital fingerprints will be collected. Many countries around the world use biometrics as a way of facilitating the international travel process, protecting travelers against identity theft, and preventing document fraud as well as for security purposes. For more information about these procedures please visit www.dhs.gov/us-visit.
ADVERTISEMENT
