What do i need to get into canada

Crossing the border to Canada is Easy!

Effective October 1, 2022, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:

  • submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
  • provide proof of vaccination;
  • undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
  • carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
  • monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.
  • undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or
  • wear masks on planes and trains.

Although the masking requirement is being lifted, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.

Individuals are reminded that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If travellers become sick while travelling, and are still sick when they arrive in Canada, they should inform a flight attendant or a border services officer upon arrival. They may then be referred to a quarantine officer who will decide whether the traveller needs further medical assessment as COVID-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in the Quarantine Act.

NEWS RELEASE


When you enter Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's Licence (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. If you are travelling by air, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.

As of March 15, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa.

Inadmissibility: You may be deemed inadmissible to Canada (not allowed to enter the country) by the Border Services Officer for a number of reasons. Reasons for inadmissibility include involvement in criminal activity (which may include impaired driving convictions), human rights violations, organized crime, etc.

For further information about documentation required and border procedures please visit the Canada Border Services Agency's website.

Minors age 15 and under must have proper identification, such as a birth certificate, passport, citizenship card, permanent resident card or Certificate of Aboriginal Status. While passports are recommended, they are not required for American minors age 15 or younger crossing the border by land - a birth certificate will suffice.

If a minor is travelling alone or with an adult that is not their parent or guardian, they should carry a letter from their parents/ guardians. This letter should authorize the person meeting them or travelling with them to take responsibility for the minor while visiting Canada. The letter should also include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.

Divorced or separated parents should carry custody or legal separation documents and a letter of authorization from the other parent to facilitate their entry into Canada.

If you are travelling with a group of vehicles, make sure you arrive at the border in the same vehicle as your children, to avoid any confusion.

Depending on the length of stay, American citizens are entitled to take goods back to the U.S. duty free. Be aware that goods purchased in a duty free shop are not automatically free of duty upon your return to the U.S.

You can find a list of duty free items to bring back to the U.S. here, as well as a list of prohibited and restricted items here. For further information on U.S. customs regulations, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

About 30 million visitors cross the border every year into Canada and an additional 18 million visitors arrive by boat or airplane. Visit the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission's website for detailed information to make crossing easier, and get hourly updates regarding border wait times or see wait times below for:

Rainbow Bridge Peace Bridge Lewiston-Queenston Bridge

While we try our best to provide accurate and up to date border information, we always recommend that you contact the Canadian Border Services Agency for specific questions or concerns pertaining to crossing our borders.

All are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of your trip. To find out if you need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), complete the questionnaire on the Visit Canada page.

For US citizens traveling on an US passport (land, air, or sea) or an US passport card (land or sea) you are not required to have either a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must show the following documents for all methods of travel to Canada:

a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and

a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)

https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1053&top=16

Processing times for visa applications  vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Participants are encouraged to check  processing times to find out how long it takes to process most applications.  Each application is different and takes a different amount of time to process. Canada can give you an estimate, based on your application type.  If you’ve already applied, learn how to check your application status.

Participants are encouraged to apply at least 12 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time for the start of the event.  

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Special Event Code for this event is: 22ESAC

Biometrics Expansion

Since the summer of 2018, when you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit (except U.S. nationals), or permanent residence you need to give your fingerprints and a photo. To facilitate repeat travel to Canada, applicants for a visitor visa, study or work permit will only need to give their biometrics once every 10 years.

For additional information on whether or not you require a biometric, please refer to our fast facts about Biometrics.

COVID-19 Travel Requirements

COVID-19 Requirements to be able to enter Canada as of May 15, 2022:

  • No sign or symptoms of COVID-19 (if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be allowed into Canada).
  • If you are not fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combinate of accepted vaccines you are required to quarantine for 14 days at your own expense.
  • If you are fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines you are not required to quarantine for 14 days.
  • You have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to the day you enter Canada (ex: if your last dose was anytime on Wednesday September 1st, then Thursday, September 16th would be the first day that you meet the 14-day condition)
  • You are required to upload your proof of vaccination into the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours before you travel.
  • You must meet all other entry requirements (for example, current passport, visa, if required).
  • As of July 19th, Canada has resumed randomly selecting travelers on arrival to complete a COVID-19 test. The type of test depends on how you are traveling to Canada.
    • If you are arriving by air and have been selected, you will be notified by email within 15 minutes of completing your customs declaration and receiving your kiosk receipt. The email will be sent to the same email address you used for ArriveCAN and will have important information about where and when to get tested. Your test is free and should be completed by the end of the next calendar day.
    • If you are arriving by land and have been selected, you will be given a self-swab kit when you arrive at a border crossing. You will complete your self-swab kit via a virtual telehealth appointment. You will need to follow the instructions in your self-swab kit to complete the test at your destination. If you are unable to complete a video consultation, contact your test provider for alternate testing options.

Checklist items to have with you for assessment by a Border Services Officer:

  • ArriveCAN receipt with uploaded proofs of vaccination
    – 2 images for 2 doses
  • Your original proof of vaccination
  • This Canadian Border Control letter for ESA/CSEE meeting attendees
  • Other travel documents (passport, itineraries, etc.)

Due to changing requirements the Government of Canada COVID-19 page will have the most current information about entering the country.

What are the requirements to enter Canada?

For all travellers entering Canada by air, land or marine mode on or after October 1, 2022:.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required..
COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required..
Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required..
Using ArriveCAN is not required..

What does a US citizen need to enter Canada?

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

Is a vaccine required to enter Canada?

Canada doesn't require vaccination for entry into the country at this time.

Can I get into Canada with a driver's license?

U.S. citizens and permanent residents entering Canada by land are required to possess the requisite documentation, such as a passport, driver's license, and other valid identification documents. They must also meet other criteria, such as passing security measures, before they are allowed entry into Canada.