Documents for Land and Water Entry Into the United States

Secure Certificate of Indian Status – Border Crossing Format

Through the continued efforts of the Government of Canada, the United States (U.S.) Department of Homeland Security will now accept the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status – Border Crossing Format as an acceptable document to present when entering the United States by land or water.

The Government of Canada has been advised that the United States will continue to accept the current Indian Status Card as a document that is compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) for a reasonable transition period into 2010, while the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status is distributed. However, the Government of Canada is cautioning travellers that the length and extent of this transition period is entirely at the discretion of U.S. officials.

Canadian citizens travelling by air to, through or from the United States must present one of the following valid documents: a passport or a NEXUS card. This requirement applies to all travellers regardless of age, including children.

For more information on the new Secure Certificate of Indian Status, visit the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Web site.