Have we convinced you that Canada should be on your must-visit list? Read on to learn more about Canada entry requirements. We’ll take a look at the passport requirements to enter Canada, as well as some special situations.

Passport Requirements to Visit Canada

Flying from the US to Canada

If you are flying to Canada, you will need to have a valid passport book before you board your flight. Your passport must be signed and in good condition. You’ll need at least one blank page marked “Visas” for your entry and exit stamps.

Driving to Canada

One nice thing about a visit to Canada is that if you live in any US state other than Hawaii, you can hop in the car and road trip to Canada! (Hawaiians, we don’t feel sorry for you. You live where everyone else vacations.)

It’s best if you have your valid passport book with you if you are traveling to Canada by land. However, there are a few other options if you’ll be crossing into Canada by land:

• A valid US passport card
• A valid Enhanced Driver’s License (these are special driver’s licenses issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington state. Normal driver’s licenses from these or any other state cannot be used.)
• A NEXUS or FAST trusted traveler card

These same entry requirements apply if you are crossing the Canadian border by bus or train, or even if you are walking across the border.

Cruises with Canadian Ports

Do you like cruises? Every cruise lover needs to take a cruise to Alaska, and there’s no better time than in late June or July, when you can experience the midnight sun. Alaska cruises typically either begin in Vancouver, or have Vancouver as a port of call. If you are flying to Vancouver to board your cruise, you’ll need a valid passport book. However, if your cruise begins and ends at a US port like Seattle, you may be able to use a passport card instead. (Contact your cruise line – many lines require that you bring your passport book, even though a passport card is valid for entry to Canada by sea.)

The same requirements apply to cruises of Canada’s Atlantic coast. A passport book is still your best bet!

Special Requirements for Canada Visits

Traveling with Minor Children

You’re going to want to bring the kids along on your Canada visit! Like adults, children and babies need their own valid passport book if they’re traveling to Canada by air.

Driving to Canada with the kids? Your children under age 16 will be exempted from the requirement to have a passport if they’re traveling with both parents. You will need to bring your child’s birth certificate to prove US citizenship, though.

If you’re bringing along your nephew or your daughter’s best friend, you’ll need to have a notarized affidavit from the child’s parents. This document, which gives the child permission to travel with you, is required no matter how you are entering Canada.

Business Visits to Canada

Will you visit Canada for business purposes? We recommend that you carry a letter from your employer explaining that you are making a business visit to Canada. The letter should include the dates of your trip, and contact information for the people you will meet within Canada. Although this is not a firm requirement, we’ve heard from some travelers that they were asked to provide proof that they were visiting Canada for business. Better safe than sorry!

Travelers with a Criminal Record

Canada has very strict requirements when it comes to travelers with criminal records. If you have any sort of conviction on your record, even a misdemeanor or an alcohol-related offense like a DUI, you will not be allowed to visit Canada until you’ve been deemed “rehabilitated.” Well in advance of your Canada trip, you’ll need to file a petition. Your petition is likely to be successful if your crime was a minor one, and if your record has been clear for five or more years. You’re not likely to be admitted if your record includes a more serious crime that would result in ten or more years of jail time if you were convicted of it in a Canadian court.

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What is Global Entry?

Global Entry is one of the Trusted Traveler programs offered by the US Department of Homeland Security.  Of the four programs, Global Entry is designed for people who travel internationally by air.  Two other programs, NEXUS and SENTRI, are aimed at travelers who regularly drive into Canada and Mexico.  NEXUS and SENTRI also include the full benefits of the Global Entry program.

The Global Entry program is open to US citizens, US Permanent Residents, and citizens of Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, and United Kingdom.  To qualify, travelers must fill out a pre-enrollment questionnaire and then appear at a Global Entry Enrollment Center for an interview.  Membership is granted after a background check to ensure the traveler is low-risk and trustworthy.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

A Global Entry membership costs $100 for 5 years.  As a Global Entry member, you can use special automated kiosks at many US airports.  These kiosks allow you to scan your own passport and fingerprints.  You can also complete your customs declaration at the kiosk.  The machine will then print out a receipt, and you can go directly to baggage claim and then through Customs.  You’ll be able to skip the long lines for US immigration.

Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck benefits.  TSA PreCheck makes getting through airport security quick and convenient. With TSA PreCheck, you’ll be able to use designated fast-track lanes at airport security.  Even better, you won’t have to take off your shoes, belt, or light jacket when you go through the security screening!  You can also leave your laptop and toiletries in your bag.

How to Update Your Global Entry When You Renew Your Passport

Your US passport is valid for 10 years, and your Global Entry membership is valid for 5 years.  If you have an active Global Entry membership when you renew your passport, you will need to update your Global Entry profile.

You can easily update your profile online on the GOES website. GOES is the Global Online Enrollment System for Trusted Traveler programs.  The GOES website is where you would apply for pre-approval for the program, and it’s also where you can update your information.  When you renew your passport, you can log on and update your passport number and expiration date.  You’ll need to know your GOES user ID and password.  If you’ve forgotten them, a password recovery system is available.

Once you have updated your profile online, you’re all set to travel!  If you would like to get a new Global Entry sticker for your passport, you can do so by stopping by any enrollment center. Most enrollment centers are located at major international airports.

TSA PreCheck and Passport Renewal

Do you have a membership in TSA PreCheck as a stand-alone program? If you do, you don’t need to do anything when your passport is renewed.  Your TSA PreCheck membership isn’t tied to your passport number, so it will continue to be active no matter whether your passport is valid, cancelled, expired, or renewed.

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