Canadian citizens typically do not need a visa to enter the United States directly from Canada for tourism or guest visits. However, all Canadians entering the U.S. by air must have passports, and those entering by land or sea must have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
What types of documents are accepted for land and sea entry to the U.S.?
- Children under 16 years of age, who are citizens of the U.S. or Canada, can present only a birth certificate or another document proving citizenship. The birth certificate can be an original, a photocopy, or a certified copy.
- Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, driver's license (issued after 2009), or a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST).
Some Canadians still require a visa.
For example, prospective immigrants, fiancés/fiancées, or investors must obtain a visa under the same conditions as other foreign citizens.
Other categories, such as journalists, temporary workers, or NAFTA professionals, must provide all necessary documents and/or approved petitions directly to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry.
Additionally, Canadians who have been deported or removed from the U.S., as well as those with a criminal record, including convictions for driving under the influence, must meet additional requirements to be eligible to enter the U.S.
Canadian visitors are usually allowed to stay in the U.S. for up to six months upon entry.
Requests to extend or change the stay must be submitted before the expiration date through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Like all foreign visitors, Canadians are reminded that U.S. law requires applicants to confirm the purpose of their visit at the time of their initial entry.
A visitor who intends to live, work, or study in the U.S. and does not inform a consular officer or CBP officer in advance may be permanently denied entry to the U.S.
