Welcome to Saskatchewan…..Oh Sorry, you haven’t made it yet. YOU still have to deal with Customs and or border Crossing. With National Security being in/on the minds of all these last few years, Governments have increased or beefed up measures and security for everyone coming or going from every country.  Canada is no different, with the biggest shared border in the world with United States, who have clamped down on everything there are specific rules and regulations that are changing or have been established.

Currently any U.S. resident coming INTO Canada may enter without a passport, however, a valid passport,MMD or Nexus Air card is required for you to RETURN into the U.S. via air. As well when driving or walking back into the U.S. you will need a passport and/or valid picture Id’s. Before coming to Canada check with your U.S. Customs about any new or scheduled changes that could effect YOUR return home.

The rules recently changed regarding the types of identification needed to cross the border. Making matters even more confusing is the fact that U.S. and Canada border requirements are not necessarily the same but are closely linked. More detailed information for Customs and Border Crossings into Canada is available at visit  Canada Border Crossing or call (In Canada1 800 461 9999) or (Outside Canada 1 204 983 3500).

What documentation do U.S. citizens require to enter Canada?
When you enter Canada from abroad, a passport and a valid visa may be required.

If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada; however, air travelers from the U.S. require a passport or other secure document to return home by air as required by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). If you are arriving by land, you should carry proof of your citizenship such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as a photo ID. If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you must bring your permanent resident card (i.e. green card) with you.
 

What documentation is required to re-enter the United States?
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law that will require all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other secure document when travelling to the United States from within the western hemisphere. The new document requirements were implemented for air travellers to the United States in January 2007. 

As of January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time.

By June 1, 2009, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have one of the following:

- a U.S. passport card;
- a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI;
- a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business;
- or a valid U.S. Military identification card when travelling on official orders.

Effective June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens must present a WHTI-compliant document to enter the U.S. by land or water, which include:

- a passport;
- a NEXUS card;
- a FAST card; or
- an EDL or EIC from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented.

The implementation date was determined based on a number of factors, including the progress of actions undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security to implement the WHTI requirements and the availability of WHTI compliant documents on both sides of the border

What documentation do U.S. Citizens not born in the United States require?
U.S. visitors not born in the United States should carry their Certificate of Naturalization and permanent residents should also bring their Green Card. Temporary residents of the U.S. must carry a passport and may also require a Visa, depending on their country of citizenship.

Who needs a Visa to enter Canada?
Citizens from abroad are required to show a valid passport in order to enter Canada; some may require a Visa. International visitors to the U.S. from Visa Waiver Program countries are now required to apply for travel authorization online

What documentation is needed for children visiting Canada?

Adults travelling with children must carry identification for each child (a Birth Certificate for American citizens, a passport for citizens of other countries). Divorced parents with shared custody rights and non-custodial parents should carry legal documents establishing their status; a notarized letter authorizing the child to travel with that parent is required. Unaccompanied children should carry a letter of permission from their parents or legal guardian.

Prepare yourself for Canada’s entry requirements. Ask yourself the following questions:

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
While some travellers require a visa to travel to Canada, many do not. Persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who have a Green card or can provide other evidence of permanent residence, British citizens and British Overseas Citizens who can be readmitted to the United Kingdom, persons holding a valid and subsisting Special Administrative Region passport issued by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, as well as other particular individuals, do not require a visa to enter Canada. For a complete list, visit the Government of Canada web site before your Canada vacation.

What type of identification will I need to present to Canada customs?
Canada’s entry requirements entail that every visitor from out of the country needs a valid passport. However, your birth certificate or certificate of citizenship, and a valid photo identification such as a drivers licence will also be accepted. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., don’t forget to bring your green card.

Also, if you are travelling with children, the customs officers may ask detailed questions about them. Parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. If you are travelling with a child who is not your own, you need a note from the guardians granting you permission to have the child with you.

Do I need a medical exam for travel to Canada?
A medical examination is required if you have resided for six or more consecutive months in a designated “red flagged” country/territory in the one year prior to your travel to Canada. Some of these countries include: Afghanistan, Bahamas, Armenia, Brazil, Cambodia, Ethiopa, Guam, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, and Mexico. A complete list of “red-flagged” countries can be found on the Government of Canada web site.

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