New Entry Requirements to the United States

On November 22, 2006, the United States published its Final Air Rule on New Entry Requirements for Air Travel as part of the U.S. government's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative when entering or transiting the United States by air. Effective January 23, 2007, everyone, including Canadians and Americans, entering or transiting the United States by air will require a passport. Canadians should obtain a passport before leaving Canada.

Those wishing to view the final rule may visit http://www.dhs.gov or http://travel.state.gov/. The rule was published in the U.S. Federal Register on Friday, November 24, 2006, where it can be viewed at http://www.regulations.gov/.

• Consular Affairs: New Entry Requirements to the United States
• Foreign Affairs: New U.S. Travel Documentation Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative – Publication of the Air Final Rule
• U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs: New Requirements for Travelers
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Crossing U.S. Borders
• Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: The Basics
• Passport Canada

From Consular Affairs:

As of January 23, 2007, the United States' Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require Canadian citizens to present one of the following documents when entering or transiting the United States by air:

• A valid Canadian passport;
• A valid U.S. Merchant Mariner Document;
• A NEXUS Air card when used at a NEXUS Air kiosk; or
• A North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) identification card, when accompanied by current NATO orders.

Canadians entering or transiting the United States by air without the required documentation will likely be referred for secondary screening, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will evaluate any evidence of citizenship and identity. As a result, Canadians without the required documentation may be prevented from boarding their flights. Travellers should obtain the appropriate required documentation before leaving Canada.

The implementation of these measures for all land and sea travel to the United States will come into effect as early as January 1, 2008, and no later than June 1, 2009. The exact date of implementation will depend on when the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security meet certain conditions set out by the United States Congress on technology, infrastructure, and training for border officers.

The Government of Canada continues to recommend that Canadians carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits to the United States. Please note that Canadians are not required to have Machine Readable Passports to enter the U.S., even if the passport was issued abroad. Canada is not a participant in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

For advice on travel to the United States, see our Travel Report.