Travel and identification documents for entering Canada

Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children or minors travelling with you.

Residents returning to Canada

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Indigenous Peoples (people registered under the Indian Act) enter Canada by right.

If you have a Canadian passport

Carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the US. It is the only universally accepted identification document and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

If you don't have a Canadian passport

Other acceptable documents that may support identity and citizenship include, but are not limited to:

Travel documents

Canadian emergency travel document
Canadian temporary passport
CANPASS authorization (for private aircraft), held by a Canadian citizen
Commercial driver registration program card, held by a Canadian citizen
FAST (Free and Secure Trade) or NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen

If you are a permanent resident with a NEXUS or FAST card: Canadian permanent residents who are NEXUS or FAST members must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence (refer to Lawful permanent residents of the US), and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border

Citizenship and immigration documents

Canadian permanent residence card
Canadian citizenship card
Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to present)
Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, to February 14, 1977)
Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
Certificate of naturalization (issued before January 1, 1947)
Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)

Provincial or territorial documents

Birth certificate (individuals born in Canada)
Driver's licence
Enhanced driver's licence
Enhanced photo identification
Health insurance card
Identity card

US travellers

A border services officer will determine whether you can enter Canada when you arrive by confirming your identity and your US citizenship or permanent residency status.

US citizens

To prove your identity and citizenship, regardless of age, the CBSA recommends travelling with a valid passport. However, you may also present documents that show your:

full name
date of birth
citizenship

If one document doesn't include all of this information, you can use a combination of documents.

If your proof of citizenship does not include a photo, you may be asked to provide a separate photo ID.

Examples of valid documents

These include, but are not limited to:

birth certificate
certificate of citizenship or naturalization
certificate of Indian status along with photo identification
US enhanced drivers license

US permanent residents

A border services officer will determine whether you can enter Canada when you arrive by confirming your identity and citizenship.

Arriving by air

As a US permanent resident arriving by air, you must carry both proof of citizenship and proof of status in the United States (refer to Lawful permanent residents of the US), such as a valid US permanent resident card.

Proof of citizenship

These include:

valid passport from your country of nationality
birth certificate
certificate of citizenship or naturalization
certificate of Indian status along with photo identification

Arriving by land or water

If you are a US permanent resident entering Canada by land or water directly from the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon, present your US permanent resident card to an officer on arrival. You don't need to present your passport.

Indigenous travellers from the US

Indigenous Peoples from the US with family in Canada may now qualify for temporary border mobility measures. To find out if you are eligible to apply, visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): Temporary measures to reunite families of Indigenous Peoples separated by Canada's border.

When you travel to Canada for the first time after your approval, you must be prepared to present the following documents:

passport or any official document used to travel (requirement for all travellers)
port of entry letter (requirement for those who applied for a work or study permit)
the document you used to prove that you are a member of a federally recognized tribe in the United States, or a citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation
the proof you used to establish your relationship to the anchor member of your family in Canada
a signed letter of authorization for unaccompanied minors (optional)
a signed Custodian Declaration Form (IMM 5646) for minors studying alone (optional)

Persons registered under the Indian Act, regardless where they are born, have the right to enter and remain in Canada. They may use their status card to prove their identity when crossing the border.

NEXUS members

You may use your NEXUS card to enter Canada. However, remember to always travel with your passport or proof of permanent residence in case you are required to prove your citizenship or permanent residence status.

Learn more: How to use NEXUS to enter Canada

International travellers (other than US citizens and permanent residents)

All international travellers, regardless of age, must carry acceptable identification when entering Canada. A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when abroad.

Before making travel plans, learn about entry requirements by country or territory.

What you need will depend on:

your citizenship
where you are departing from
how you are travelling
what documents you are travelling with

Electronic Travel Authorization

In addition to your passport, you may need a travel authorization such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

Consult IRCC's website to learn which authorization you need:

Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don't wait until the last minute.

Beware of fake websites for eTAs

Be careful about where and how you apply for an eTA. Companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA do not operate on behalf of the Government of Canada. Many of these companies have websites and charge a fee to provide information and submit eTA applications.

This Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization.

Arrival from St. Pierre and Miquelon

French citizens who are also residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon entering Canada directly from St. Pierre and Miquelon will not need to present a passport to an officer. When you arrive, a border services officer will confirm your identity and citizenship. You must establish you are a French citizen and a resident of St. Pierre and Miquelon. Your National Identification card is acceptable.

If you are flying to Canada, you may need additional travel documents to board the airplane and to enter Canada. Please check with your airline and confirm if you need an eTA.

Travel documents for boarding flights

Documents required by the airlines may be different than what CBSA requires upon entry. Check with your airline for their requirements.

Before you fly to Canada, whether you are a resident or a visitor, the airline will check your identification and travel documents. However, boarding the plane does not guarantee that you can enter Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will check your identity and citizenship to determine if you're admissible.

More information:

Travelling with children and minors

When travelling with a minor (under 18 years of age), you should:

carry acceptable identification for the minor
- documents required for residents returning to Canada
- documents required for US travellers (US citizens and permanent residents)
- documents required for international travellers (other than US)
carry copies of any legal custody documents, such as custody rights, if applicable
arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the minor
carry a consent letter if:
- you share custody of the minor and the other parent or legal guardian is not travelling with you
- you are not the parent or legal guardian of the minor

A consent letter must include the custodial parents' or legal guardians':

full name
address
telephone number

Border services officers are always watching for missing children and may ask questions about minors travelling with you. To avoid delays, have your consent letter notarized to support its authenticity.

For more information on consent letters and to download a fillable form, visit Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada.