| The rules and regulations for crossing the US | | | | Travel visas are not currently required for short term |
| Canadian border by land have changed over the | | | | land travel across Canadian/US borders. |
| years. It can be difficult to determine what kind of | | | | Children (ages 18 and under) who cross the border |
| documentation (i.e. US passport), if any, is required for | | | | with a verified adult will need to have either a current |
| a routine, short-term US/Canadian border crossing. | | | | US passport or documentation verifying citizenship (i.e. |
| Knowing the facts before crossing the US/Canadian | | | | a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.) |
| border by land will help save you time and trouble on | | | | When the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative |
| your trip and lead to fewer delays at border patrol. | | | | becomes fully operational on June 1, 2009, all citizens |
| The US Department of Homeland Security, in | | | | over the age of 15 will be required to supply one of the |
| cooperation with Canadian, Mexican and other | | | | following forms of identification when crossing the US |
| Western Hemisphere country officials, has made a | | | | Canadian border by land: |
| number of changes to border crossing regulations and | | | | * A valid US passport. |
| requirements in recent years. The changes have been | | | | * Government-issued proof of identity with photo AND |
| implemented in stages, with grace periods allowing | | | | proof of citizenship. |
| some lenience for certain types of travel and travelers. | | | | All governments involved in the Western Hemisphere |
| The department has used media campaigns as well | | | | Travel Initiative are strongly recommending that citizens |
| as word-of-mouth education to inform travelers of the | | | | apply for and carry a US passport when crossing the |
| most recent changes in regulations regarding crossing | | | | US/Canadian border by land. A US passport is the |
| the US/Canadian border by land, which went into | | | | only universally accepted form of travel |
| effect on January 31, 2008. These changes were | | | | documentation. Carrying a US passport will greatly |
| made in anticipation of the full implementation of the | | | | reduce your chances of being delayed at the border, |
| Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative on June 1, 2009. | | | | whether crossing into Canada or back home to the |
| Current regulations for crossing the US/Canadian | | | | United States. Travelers who do not possess a US |
| border by land state that all adult visitors (ages 19 and | | | | passport may be looked upon with suspicion, even if |
| up) must present the following documentation at the | | | | other documentation is in order. Border officials on both |
| border: | | | | sides reserve the right to detain travelers or refuse |
| * A current, valid US passport OR | | | | entry altogether if they feel that something is amiss. |
| * One form of government-issued identification which | | | | This is why the U.S. Department of Homeland Security |
| bears a photo PLUS | | | | is urging all citizens to obtain a US passport. In the end, |
| * Proof of citizenship (i.e. birth certificate or | | | | it ensures smooth border crossings both for travelers |
| naturalization certificate.) | | | | and for border agents. |