Lois Larson
If you are a US citizen and plan to fly to Canada, you will need a passport. A US driving license is not sufficient identification to board a flight to Canada. However, if you plan to enter Canada via a land border, a qualifying enhanced driver's license can be used as long as you do not have a DUI arrest in your past.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identification required for US citizens entering Canada by air | A passport issued by the US or an Enhanced Identification Card (EIC) or Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) from Washington State, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, New York, or Vermont. |
| Identification required for US citizens entering Canada by land | A passport or an EDL. |
| Identification requirements | A valid government-issued photo ID with your full name, date of birth, and gender. |
| Additional requirements for US citizens traveling to Cuba | A declaration acknowledging that you are a holder of a specific travel license for Cuba or that your travel to Cuba is related to one of the general license categories. |
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What You'll Learn
Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a card that functions as both a driving license and an identity card with limited passport features. EDLs are available to US citizens who reside in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, Washington, and, as of 2023, Ohio. The application process for an EDL varies depending on the state, but generally requires proof of US citizenship and residency, as well as a fee.
EDLs are issued by the state and provide proof of identity and US citizenship when crossing the US border in a vehicle. They are a low-cost, convenient option for entering the US from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry. EDLs contain Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips that are connected to a database maintained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The RFID chips allow border agents to instantly determine if a person is approved to pass through, cutting down on border-crossing wait times.
While EDLs are useful for land and sea border crossings, they cannot be used to fly to Canada. Americans wishing to enter Canada by air must present a passport or similar documentation. However, EDLs can be used for "official purposes" covered by the US Real ID Act, such as boarding a domestic flight.
In the past, EDLs were also available in some Canadian provinces, including British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. However, these programs have been discontinued due to low demand, cost-saving initiatives, and privacy concerns surrounding the RFID chips. As of August 2022, no Canadian province or territory is issuing EDLs, and the program will terminate in the country once the validities of all existing EDLs lapse.
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Passport requirements
A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when travelling to Canada. All international travellers must carry acceptable identification when entering Canada. In addition to your passport, you may need a travel authorization such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act enter Canada by right. However, returning residents must still demonstrate to a border services officer that they meet the requirements for entering Canada. The officer will confirm your identity and your right to enter Canada through questioning and/or by verifying your documents. Canadian citizens should always carry a valid Canadian passport when travelling outside Canada.
United States Lawful Permanent Residents no longer require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to or transit through Canada. They must present a valid passport and the Green Card/USLPR card for their travel to Canada.
If you’re arriving by air at one of Canada’s participating international airports, you can save time at the border by submitting your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada. If you’re connecting to another flight or travelling onwards to another destination and re-boarding the same plane, follow the signs. At some airports, you may have to check your baggage and have it screened again.
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Customs and immigration declaration
If you are a US citizen travelling to Canada, you will need to present a passport or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) when you arrive at the Canadian border. A REAL ID will not be accepted as it does not provide proof of US citizenship. A DUI or similar offence on your driving record may make you criminally inadmissible and cause you to be denied entry.
When arriving by air at one of Canada's participating international airports, you can save time by submitting your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before your arrival. If you do not submit your declaration in advance, you can complete it at an airport kiosk or eGate. If you are landing at an airport without kiosks or eGates, you will receive a Declaration Card on board your aircraft. Read the instructions and complete the card before you arrive, and have it ready to present to Canadian officials at the airport, along with your identification and other travel documents. If you are travelling with children, you must also have their documentation ready.
If you are a member of a trusted traveller program, you can skip the regular process and go directly to the automated kiosks or eGates for faster processing. Up to five people may use a kiosk as a group upon arrival.
If you are arriving by land, follow the signs to the first checkpoint, also known as "primary inspection". Here, a border services officer will examine your identification and other travel documents and take your verbal declaration. If you are arriving by private boat, go directly to a designated marine telephone reporting site and call the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC) at 1-888-226-7277 to obtain clearance.
If you are a resident of Canada returning from a trip outside Canada of 48 hours or longer, you are eligible for a personal exemption of CAN$800 (48-hour) or CAN$800 (7-day), and you are entitled to a beneficial duty rate of 7% for additional goods valued up to CAN$300 over your exemption amount. This rate does not apply to tobacco products or alcoholic beverages.
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Valid identification documents
When travelling to Canada, it is important to bring the right identification documents to ensure a quick identity verification and check-in process at the airport. Here is a list of valid identification documents that you can use when travelling to Canada:
For Canadian Citizens:
- A valid Canadian passport is always recommended when travelling outside of Canada.
- For travel within Canada, a valid identification document issued by a Canadian federal, provincial, or territorial government is required. This can include immigration documents such as work permits, study permits, visitor records, temporary resident permits, or refugee-approved status.
For Foreign Nationals:
- A valid passport issued by your country of citizenship or nationality is typically required for international travel to Canada.
- For some countries, additional documents may be necessary, such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). However, United States Lawful Permanent Residents no longer require an eTA when travelling to or transiting through Canada.
- If you are a citizen of certain Asian countries transiting through Vancouver Airport, Calgary Airport, or Toronto Pearson Airport (Terminal 1 only), you may be eligible for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program, which allows travel to or from the United States without a Canadian temporary resident visa under specific conditions.
- Other valid government-issued identification documents may be accepted, including your country's equivalent of a driver's license or birth certificate, as long as they are not expired and include your photo, full name, date of birth, and gender. However, fishing, hunting, and boating licenses are not accepted as identification for domestic flights within Canada.
It is important to note that the name on your identification must match the name on your airline ticket and boarding pass. Additionally, if you have a DUI or similar offence on your record, you may be denied entry into Canada, even with a valid passport or enhanced driver's license.
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Trusted Traveller Programs
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers several Trusted Traveller Programs to help frequent travellers move through the line at the airport or port of entry more efficiently. These programs are designed to improve security and facilitate legitimate trade and travel by providing modified screening for pre-approved members. Here are some of the programs offered:
- TSA PreCheck: This program expedites traveller screening through participating TSA security checkpoints. Members can enjoy expedited lanes at select U.S. airports and when crossing international borders.
- Global Entry: Global Entry allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. It is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program.
- NEXUS: The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travellers expedited processing when entering the U.S. and Canada. It is a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) program that provides faster customs and immigration processing for eligible travellers crossing the Canada-U.S. border. NEXUS members are recognised as verified travellers by CATSA.
- SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection): This program allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the U.S.
- FAST (Free and Secure Trade): This is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico.
In addition to the above programs, there is also the Verified Traveller program in Canada. Verified travellers are passengers who have undergone extensive background checks and carry special photo identification cards. They are eligible for added benefits at select security screening checkpoints across Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a valid government-issued photo ID when checking in for a flight in Canada. A REAL ID will not suffice, but an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) may be accepted if you are entering Canada by land or sea.
An EDL is a type of photo ID issued by Washington State, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, New York, or Vermont. It allows US citizens to enter Canada without a passport for leisure and business purposes.
You will need to provide two pieces of identification issued by a Canadian federal, provincial, or territorial government. Both must have your name, and at least one must have your full name and date of birth.
A DUI or similar offense can make you criminally inadmissible to Canada and cause you to be denied entry.
