The U.S. and Canada share a border, which makes travel from one country to another accessible and relatively straightforward. Traveling to Canadian destinations is incredibly popular amongst U.S. travelers — almost 400,000 people cross the border every day.
Visiting Canada from the U.S. may not require as much preparation as traveling to some other countries, but there are still factors to consider before embarking on your trip. Read on to learn more about Canadian travel requirements, which identification documents you need to enter the country and other information about crossing the border.
Valid Documents for Entry
As with any international travel, Canada has entry requirements that include specific documentation for U.S. citizens. The primary document you’ll need to cross the border is an acceptable form of identification, such as a passport. Residents of certain border-sharing states such as New York can also enter the country with an enhanced driver’s license if crossing by land or water.
If you don’t have a Canadian passport but are a member of the NEXUS program, you can use your membership card as a form of identification and to denote citizenship. If you’re a part of the FAST program, you can use your membership card as identification when arriving by land or by sea.
If you’re a member of either NEXUS or FAST and are a permanent resident of the U.S. (as opposed to a U.S. citizen), you will need a U.S. passport and proof of permanent residence. You can also bring your FAST or NEXUS card as proof of membership.
While some travelers visiting Canada will need a visitor’s visa, U.S. citizens are exempt from this requirement. Instead, you’ll need to provide an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which you can apply for before you travel.
You can find additional information about border documentation on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website. Note that Canada may deny you entry if you have a criminal record and require children traveling alone to have a consent letter from a legal guardian.
COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Protocols
Canada ended its COVID-19-related travel restrictions in October 2022. You no longer need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or test results to enter the country. However, the Canadian government does not advise traveling to the country if you have symptoms of the coronavirus.
Do I Need Medical Insurance in Canada?
You do not need medical insurance to travel from the U.S. to Canada. However, Canadian health insurance does not extend to non-residents. Travelers will have to pay for any medical treatments they receive out-of-pocket, so you may want to obtain medical insurance before visiting in case of an emergency.
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you shouldn’t assume your current health insurance will cover you in Canada. Unless your insurance plan has global coverage, you will need travel health insurance for your vacation to Canada. As a general note, Medicare and Medicaid do not offer coverage abroad.
You can also obtain health coverage by purchasing travel insurance before your trip. Many standard travel policies include emergency medical coverage as part of the plan. While travel medical coverage can offer peace of mind during an emergency, purchasing a policy may also be worth it if you plan to participate in outdoor activities or sports in Canada.
Flights and Air Travel from the U.S. to Canada
You can enter Canada from the U.S. by car, train, boat, bus or plane. There are many airports around Canada, including Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport and St. John’s International Airport.
Many airlines offer direct flights to and from major U.S. cities. Airlines tend to offer cheaper flights to Canada in the winter months. Spring and summer are the most popular seasons to visit and, therefore, the most expensive.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for Trip Delays or Cancellations?
Travel insurance covers prepaid, nonrefundable costs if your trip is unexpectedly canceled or delayed. Travel interruptions such as delayed and canceled flights can have a domino effect on the rest of your trip —and possibly mean you have to pay for another flight or unexpected accommodations.
Most standard travel insurance covers trip delays and cancellations, offering reimbursem*nt for expenses such as your plane ticket, hotel or lost baggage. Airlines are also required to reimburse costs under certain circ*mstances, including additional costs accrued due to interrupted travel.
Learn more about trip protection by reviewing our guide to the best travel insurance companies.
Road Trips and Border Crossing by Car
Taking a road trip from the U.S. to Canada, or simply arriving by car, requires crossing the border at one of the 24 official locations. Americans will need to present a valid U.S. passport or other acceptable form of identification upon arrival to the country. It is also advised to keep your car registration documents available in case requested by the border patrol.
When you arrive at a border crossing point in Canada you may experience delays due to congestion. Long wait times are more common during the peak season for tourism in the country and at busier crossings, such as the Ambassador Bridge that connects Detroit, Mich. and Windsor, Ontario.
To make your crossing as smooth as possible, have all your documents ready, turn off any music and roll down your windows. Be ready to answer questions about your visit to Canada and allow border service officers to open and check the contents of your bags and trunk if requested.
Train and Bus Travel
You can also take public transportation from the U.S. to Canada, with the two main options being a bus or train. You can enter the country on a bus at an official border crossing point or by train using the Amtrak services that run from New York City to Toronto, Portland to Vancouver or New York to Montreal. Train and bus travel to Canada may be more time-consuming but allow you to enjoy the scenery as you cross between the countries.
Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal are some of the most popular destinations in Canada easily reached by bus. Jefferson Lines and Greyhound are the most popular bus services if you want to travel from coastal U.S. cities to Canadian cities. If you’re traveling from states in the central U.S., you’ll likely have to transfer buses.
You will need an official form of identification with you when you enter the country on a bus or train, such as a passport; a NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI card; an enhanced driver’s license or another form of identification. You can book a bus or train tickets online and should receive specific details about the documentation you need to travel.
Should You Get Travel Insurance For Canada?
Whether you enjoy cosmopolitan city breaks or rugged adventures out in nature, Canada offers options for all kinds of travelers. The country’s proximity to the U.S. makes visiting an accessible and straightforward option —you can reach Canada by plane, train, car, bus or even boat.
In order to have the best possible experience on your Canadian vacation, it’s important to understand the country’s travel requirements and prepare all the necessary documentation so you can cross the border without any problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling From the U.S. to Canada
No, U.S. citizens visiting Canada as a tourist do not need a visa to enter the country. According to the Government of Canada’s website, you only need a valid identity document like a passport to visit.
Whether you need a visa depends on your home country and method of travel. If you are not an American citizen but are entering the country from the U.S., you will need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Note that travel document requirements may differ for dual citizens.
Canada ended travel-related COVID-19 measures in October 2022, including health checks, coronavirus tests, proof of vaccination and quarantine rules. However, official advice still recommends you wear a mask while traveling and do not visit if showing COVID-19 symptoms.
You can stay up-to-date on health-related travel advisories by visiting the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website.
U.S. residents who are close to the border may choose to visit Canada by car. However, if you’re traveling from a state that is far away from Canada, you can fly to the country or catch a train, bus or ferry.
While U.S. citizens used to be able to enter Canada with a birth certificate, the country now requires additional forms of photo identification. The following documents are generally accepted at the Canadian border:
- A U.S. passport
- Passport card
- NEXUS card
Certain states that share a land border with Canada, such as New York and Washington, may also allow you to use an enhanced driver’s license.
As with travel into Canada, the U.S. requires Canadians to show a passport or NEXUS card to enter the country. If you are traveling to a port of entry by car, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may also request to see your vehicle registration or other documentation.
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