What documents do I need to enter the U.S. from Canada?

December 2022 · 7 minute read

Arrival From Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda

American citizens entering the U.S. must show a valid passport, U.S. passport card, a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license.

Moreover, What do I need to re enter the U.S. from Canada?

Air Travel: All U.S. citizens departing from or entering the United States from within the Western Hemisphere by air are required to present a valid U.S. passport or a NEXUS card (if utilizing a NEXUS kiosk when departing from a designated Canadian airport).

What documents do I need to cross the US border from Canada by car?


Basic Requirements to cross the United States / Canadian Border

  • The driver must have a valid drivers license.
  • You must also have your vehicle registration. …
  • Having your proof of insurance showing coverage is recommended.
  • Alarm bells will go off anytime you try to cross the border in a car that is not yours.

    • Also What documents do you need to cross the border? All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options – see the Traveling with Children section.

    Can you enter the US with a birth certificate?

    Citizens aged 16-18 can enter the US with a birth certificate only if traveling by land or sea from contiguous territory with an adult supervised school group, religious group, social, sports, or cultural organization.

    19 Related Questions Answers Found

    Can I re enter US from Canada without a passport?

    Answer: While you may enter Canada with just your birth certificate and driver’s license, the same cannot be used for re-entering the United States. You will need a passport book if returning to the U.S. via air or a passport card if crossing the border by land.

    What happens if you go to Tijuana without a passport?

    Those of you without access to a passport or visa, or if you lose it while in Tijuana, will need a driver’s license or another kind of American identification to avoid secondary inspection. … Such a person might qualify for a border crossing card and must have a US birth certificate.

    Can I get back into the US from Canada without a passport?

    Answer: While you may enter Canada with just your birth certificate and driver’s license, the same cannot be used for re-entering the United States. You will need a passport book if returning to the U.S. via air or a passport card if crossing the border by land.

    Do you need a passport to enter the US from Canada by car?

    Canadian law requires all persons entering Canada from the U.S. by car present proof of citizenship and identity. A passport fulfills both of these requirements for U.S. citizens. It is also possible for a U.S. citizen to use their Nexus card to fulfill both of these requirements.

    Can I cross the US border with my driver’s license?

    When entering the United States, U.S. citizens are required to show passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST) or an Enhanced Driver’s License.

    Can an American be denied entry to the US?

    The same is true for lawful permanent residents: you generally cannot be denied entry to the United States, but declining to answer questions may result in delay or further inspection. Refusal by non-citizen visa holders and visitors to answer questions may result in denial of entry.

    Is a driver’s license proof of US citizenship?

    The following must be accepted as sufficient documentary evidence of citizenship: … (4) A valid State-issued driver’s license if the State issuing the license requires proof of U.S. citizenship, or obtains and verifies a SSN from the applicant who is a citizen before issuing such license.

    What documents are proof of US citizenship?


    You are a U.S. citizen if you have a:

    Can you get back into us with birth certificate?

    U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) must present a valid passport, birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, a photocopy, or a certified copy.

    Can a U.S. citizen come back from Canada?

    Will Americans be able to return to the U.S. after visiting Canada? Yes. U.S. citizens will be allowed to return home even while the land border into the U.S. continues to have more stringent restrictions in place.

    Can I go to Tijuana with just a driver’s license?

    Americans traveling to Mexico must present a valid U.S. passport. Those traveling by sea can present a passport card and valid driver’s license to gain entrance back into the U.S. However, travelers should check with their selected destination if these documents will be accepted.

    Can you go to Tijuana with just a birth certificate?

    Bring documentation: U. S. citizens can visit Mexico for 72 hours or less without visas, but they need proof of citizenship when they return, A passport or government-issued photo ID and birth certificate are most common. Permanent Residents should bring their green cards and passports.

    Can I cross the US border with a real ID?

    Q: Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel? No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.

    What documents can I use instead of a passport?


    Entry Into the United States by Land and Sea

    How do I prove my identity without a passport?

    If you have no photo ID, a copy of your original Birth Certificate or National Insurance Card will be accepted provided it is accompanied by a passport sized photo that is countersigned on the back by someone who can confirm your identity.

    Can I go to the US without a passport?

    Not only is a passport required for entry into the USA, but it is also needed for re-entry into Canada. If the traveller is a permanent resident of Canada, but not a citizen, they must also present their permanent resident (PR) card.

    Does an enhanced driver’s license get you into Canada?

    Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are only valid for land and marine crossings, however, so you will not be able to fly to Canada with it as your only form of identification. An Enhanced Driver’s License or EDL can enable a US citizen to visit Canada for both leisure and business purposes.

    Can I drive into Canada without a passport?

    Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 need only present proof of U.S. citizenship.

    Can I get back into the US without a passport from Canada?

    Answer: While you may enter Canada with just your birth certificate and driver’s license, the same cannot be used for re-entering the United States. You will need a passport book if returning to the U.S. via air or a passport card if crossing the border by land.

    Can you walk across the Mexican border without a passport?

    The Mexican government may not let U.S. citizens who are driving or walking to Mexico enter the country at land border crossings if they do not have a U.S. passport book or U.S. passport card.

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