Rules for going to canada from us

All are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of your trip. To find out if you need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), complete the questionnaire on the Visit Canada page.

For US citizens traveling on an US passport (land, air, or sea) or an US passport card (land or sea) you are not required to have either a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must show the following documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and

a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1053&top=16

Processing times for visa applications  vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Participants are encouraged to check  processing times to find out how long it takes to process most applications.  Each application is different and takes a different amount of time to process. Canada can give you an estimate, based on your application type.  If you’ve already applied, learn how to check your application status.

Participants are encouraged to apply at least 12 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time for the start of the event.  

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Special Event Code for this event is: 22ESAC

Biometrics Expansion

Since the summer of 2018, when you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit (except U.S. nationals), or permanent residence you need to give your fingerprints and a photo. To facilitate repeat travel to Canada, applicants for a visitor visa, study or work permit will only need to give their biometrics once every 10 years.

For additional information on whether or not you require a biometric, please refer to our fast facts about Biometrics.

COVID-19 Travel Requirements

COVID-19 Requirements to be able to enter Canada as of May 15, 2022:

  • No sign or symptoms of COVID-19 (if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be allowed into Canada).
  • If you are not fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combinate of accepted vaccines you are required to quarantine for 14 days at your own expense.
  • If you are fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines you are not required to quarantine for 14 days.
  • You have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day you enter Canada (ex: if your last dose was anytime on Wednesday September 1st, then Thursday, September 16th would be the first day that you meet the 14-day condition)
  • You are required to upload your proof of vaccination into the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours before you travel.
  • You must meet all other entry requirements (for example, current passport, visa, if required).
  • As of July 19th, Canada has resumed randomly selecting travelers on arrival to complete a COVID-19 test. The type of test depends on how you are traveling to Canada.
    • If you are arriving by air and have been selected, you will be notified by email within 15 minutes of completing your customs declaration and receiving your kiosk receipt. The email will be sent to the same email address you used for ArriveCAN and will have important information about where and when to get tested. Your test is free and should be completed by the end of the next calendar day.
    • If you are arriving by land and have been selected, you will be given a self-swab kit when you arrive at a border crossing. You will complete your self-swab kit via a virtual telehealth appointment. You will need to follow the instructions in your self-swab kit to complete the test at your destination. If you are unable to complete a video consultation, contact your test provider for alternate testing options.

Checklist items to have with you for assessment by a Border Services Officer:

  • ArriveCAN receipt with uploaded proofs of vaccination
    – 2 images for 2 doses
  • Your original proof of vaccination
  • This Canadian Border Control letter for ESA/CSEE meeting attendees
  • Other travel documents (passport, itineraries, etc.)

Due to changing requirements the Government of Canada COVID-19 page will have the most current information about entering the country.

From: Canada Border Services Agency

Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children or minors travelling with you. You must be able to confirm your legal right or authorization to enter Canada at the border.

On this page

  • Residents returning to Canada
  • Travel with children and minors
  • International visitors to Canada
  • Electronic Travel Authorization
  • Fake websites
  • Related links

Residents returning to Canada

Carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the United States (U.S.). It is the only universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

  • Acceptable documents to denote identity and citizenship
  • Other acceptable documents for establishing Canadian citizenship
  • Other acceptable documents to support identity
  • Acceptable documents for establishing Registered Indian Status and identity

Acceptable documents to denote identity and citizenship

Upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry, travellers must satisfy a CBSA border services officer (BSO) that they meet the requirements for entry into Canada. For Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act, this can be done through questioning and through verifying documentation such as a:

  • Canadian passport
  • Canadian birth certificate
  • permanent residence card
  • citizenship card
  • Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or valid Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card

If you do not have a passport, and are returning to Canada, the following documents can denote identity and citizenship:

  • NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen, when entering Canada by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes
  • FAST card (Free and Secure Trade), issued to a Canadian citizen (when arriving by land or marine modes only)
  • Canadian emergency travel document
  • Canadian temporary passport
  • Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to present)
  • Enhanced driver's license issued by a Canadian province or territory
  • Enhanced identification/photo card issued by a Canadian province or territory

Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

Other acceptable documents for establishing Canadian citizenship

The following documents may be used to establish Canadian citizenship. Upon presentation by travellers, the documents should be supported by other government issued photo identification:

  • Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, to February 14, 1977)
  • Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
  • Certificate of naturalization (issued before January 1, 1947)
  • Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)
  • Provincial or territorial birth certificate (individuals born in Canada)

Other acceptable documents to support identity

The following documents may be used to establish your identity:

  • CANPASS card (air, corporate air, private air, remote area border crossing), held by a Canadian citizen
  • Commercial driver registration program card, held by a Canadian citizen
  • Provincial and territorial driver's license
  • Employment or student card with photo and signature
  • Provincial health insurance card
  • Provincial identity card
  • Canadian Forces identification
  • Police identification
  • Firearms acquisition certificate
  • Credit card
  • Vehicle insurance certificate
  • Vehicle registration

Acceptable documents for establishing Registered Indian Status and identity

Every person registered under the Indian Act can enter and remain in Canada by right as per subsection A19(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), more commonly referred to as the Status card, is an identity document issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada confirming that the cardholder is registered as a Status Indian under the Indian Act.

Note: The Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) was replaced by the SCIS in 2009. Existing versions of the CIS will remain valid until their renewal date.

If you plan to travel to or transit through the U.S., we encourage you to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the U.S.

Travel with children and minors

When travelling with a minor, you should:

  • carry copies of any legal custody documents, such as custody rights, if applicable
  • arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the minor
  • carry a consent letter if:
    • you share custody of the minor and the other parent or legal guardian is not travelling with you
    • you are not the parent or legal guardian of the minor

A consent letter must include the custodial parents' or legal guardians':

  • full name
  • address
  • telephone number

Border services officers are always watching for missing children and may ask questions about any minors travelling with you.

To avoid delays, have your consent letter notarized to support its authenticity. For more information on consent letters and to download an interactive form, visit Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad.

More information

  • Children and travel
  • Our Missing Children program

International visitors to Canada

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.

International transport companies, such as airlines, must make sure that travellers have proper, valid travel documents. If you do not have the proper documents, you may be delayed or refused entry into Canada. What you need will depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with. Consult entry requirements by country.

When you enter Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if you are arriving from a country for which one is required. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website to learn more about what travel documents are required.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship, when arriving by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land and marine modes only.

Permanent residents of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

All visitors arriving from or transiting through the U.S. are encouraged to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the U.S.

Electronic Travel Authorization

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada.

Exceptions, or visa and eTA-exempt foreign nationals, include:

  • U.S. citizens
  • U.S Lawful Permanent Residents
  • travellers with a valid Canadian visa
  • Other exceptions

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents do not need to apply for an eTA.

Certain low-risk foreign nationals from select visa-required countries may also travel to or through Canada by air using an eTA through the eTA expansion program.

Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute.

More information

  • Electronic Travel Authorization
    • Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization
    • Get help with Electronic Travel Authorizations
  • Dual citizens
  • Canadian permanent residents
  • Lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

Fake websites

Travellers who apply for an eTA are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA. These companies are not operating on behalf of the Government of Canada. Many have established websites that charge a fee to provide information and submit eTA applications.

This Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an Electronic Travel Application.

  • Travelling with animals
  • Lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found passports
  • Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada

Report a problem on this page

This email is to report problems or inaccuracies on a page. Spam and comments containing offensive language will be reported or deleted. For help with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) programs or services, contact border information services.

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Date modified: 2022-10-19

Is travel from US to Canada allowed now?

This can include a U.S. passport, passport card or a NEXUS card. No visa is required as long as your stay is under 180 days. While the border between the U.S. and Canada reopened for nonessential travel in both directions in November 2021, several COVID-related protocols remained in place for entry until October 2022.

Do I need a pre departure Covid test for Canada?

Entry and borders With effect from 1 October 2022, the Government of Canada has removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions, as well as testing, quarantine and isolation requirements, for anyone entering Canada.

What is required to cross the border into Canada?

Entry into Canada If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's Licence (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. If you are travelling by air, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.