Each year, Canadians visit the United States more than any other country in the world. Because of our proximity, it is easy to forget that a trip to the U.S. is still considered international travel. The requirements of U.S. authorities have recently become much stricter, so it’s important to be aware of regulations and conditions that may affect your journey.

Historically, Canadians have been permitted to enter and travel through the U.S. without a passport. Other forms of identification, less secure than a passport, such as a driver’s license and birth certificate, have typically been accepted. However, the United States Government recently announced that by December 31, 2007 all visitors to the U.S., including Canadians, will be required to present a valid passport or other accepted secure document (still to be determined). The goal of this initiative, called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), is to reinforce U.S. border security and to facilitate entry to the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors.

Requirements for US citizens

The WHTI also applies to U.S. citizens entering or re-entering the U.S. from countries within the Western Hemisphere. Ultimately, citizens of the U.S. will be required, at all border crossings, to show a valid passport or other accepted document that establishes their identity and nationality. This is a change from previous travel requirements.

Key dates

There are three implementation phases for the WHTI:

• Phase 1: December 31st, 2005 – Anyone traveling through the United States on the way to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central or South America, will require a passport. Americans must also have a passport or other accepted document for all travel (air/sea) to or from these countries.
• Phase 2: December 31st, 2006 - Anyone traveling by air or sea to, from or through the United States will require a passport. Americans must have a passport or other accepted document for all air and sea travel to or from Canada and Mexico.
• Phase 3: December 31st, 2007 – Anyone, including Americans, traveling by air, sea or land to, from or through the United States will require a passport or other accepted document.

Even though a passport is not required at this time for entry to the U.S., it is necessary if your travel plans include going on a cruise or continuing on to another country. According to Foreign Affairs Canada, a Canadian passport is the best possible form of photo identification you can have, and the only document that absolutely proves you are a Canadian citizen and have the right to return to Canada. For instructions on how to apply for a passport, visit the Passport Canada website at www.pptc.gc.ca. Canadians 16 years of age or older can now complete a passport application form online.

More information

Foreign Affairs Canada has a number of booklets and guides available on their website, including Bon Voyage, but… and U.S.A. Bound. The booklets contain considerable information and contacts for individuals who are planning to travel or work abroad. If you have employees who would benefit from this information, you can order copies of the booklets. For more information, visit www.voyage.gc.ca.

For details on United States policy, check directly with the U.S. State Department at www.travel.state.gov. Considerable information is available on this site such as Tips for Travelers to Canada and a list of brochures that you can purchase, including country specific information and Tips for Americans Residing Abroad.