Guide · Canada
Travel documents for entering Canada: citizens, US travellers, visitors and eTA
General information, not official or legal advice. Customs, immigration and border rules change and every situation is different. Check the linked official sources and the agency’s current page before you travel. This site is not affiliated with CBP, the CBSA, DHS or any government.
Short answer
The CBSA recommends a valid passport for everyone and says an officer decides whether you can enter after confirming identity and citizenship or status.[1] US citizens can show a valid passport or other documents that show full name, date of birth and citizenship; US permanent residents entering by land or water present their US permanent resident card.[1] Citizens of eTA-required countries flying to Canada need an eTA, which costs CAN$7; US citizens, US lawful permanent residents and some other travellers are exempt.[2][3]
Steps
- The CBSA sorts travellers into categories: returning Canadian, US citizen, US permanent resident, or international traveller.[1]
- The CBSA says to carry proper identification for yourself and any children or minors travelling with you.[1]
- If you are a citizen of an eTA-required country flying to Canada, the CBSA recommends applying for an eTA before you book.[1][3]
- With a NEXUS card, the CBSA says to always carry a passport or proof of permanent residence as well.[1][4]
- The CBSA says the documents airlines require may differ from those the CBSA requires on entry, so check your airline's requirements.[1]
| Item | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended document | Passport (the only universally accepted travel and identification document) | [1], read 2026-10-20 |
| US citizens | Passport recommended; or documents showing full name, date of birth and citizenship; photo ID may be asked | [1], read 2026-10-20 |
| US permanent residents (land/water) | US permanent resident card; passport not required | [1], read 2026-10-20 |
| US permanent residents (air) | Proof of citizenship and proof of US status | [1], read 2026-10-20 |
| eTA cost | CAN$7 | [2], read 2026-10-20 |
| eTA for US citizens | Exempt | [3], read 2026-10-20 |
| eTA by land or sea | In most cases not needed for eTA-required countries arriving by car, bus, train or boat; passport still needed | [3], read 2026-10-20 |
| NEXUS card | Usable to enter Canada; always carry passport or proof of permanent residence too | [1], read 2026-10-20 |
Canadians returning
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act enter by right. The CBSA says a valid Canadian passport is the only universally accepted identification document and proves your right to return.[1] Without one, other documents that may support identity and citizenship include an emergency travel document, a temporary passport, a FAST or NEXUS card held by a Canadian citizen, a permanent residence card, a citizenship card or certificate, provincial documents such as a birth certificate, driver's licence, enhanced driver's licence, enhanced photo identification, health insurance card or identity card, and other documents such as Canadian Forces identification or a status card.[1] Permanent residents with a NEXUS or FAST card must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence.[1]
US citizens and permanent residents
A border services officer determines whether you can enter. For US citizens, regardless of age, the CBSA recommends a valid passport, but you can instead present documents showing full name, date of birth and citizenship, using a combination if necessary. Examples listed include a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a certificate of Indian status together with photo identification, or a US enhanced driver's licence. If your proof of citizenship has no photo you may be asked for photo ID.[1]
US permanent residents arriving by air carry proof of citizenship (for example a passport from their country of nationality) and proof of US status such as a valid permanent resident card. Arriving by land or water directly from the US, you present your permanent resident card and do not need a passport.[1] Lawful permanent residents of the US are exempt from the eTA but must show a valid passport and green card or equivalent proof of status for all methods of travel, according to IRCC.[3]
Other international travellers and the eTA
All international travellers must carry acceptable identification, and the CBSA says a passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel document.[1] You may need a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), but only one of them.[3] If you are a citizen of an eTA-required country, you need an eTA and a valid passport to board a flight to Canada; arriving by car, bus, train or boat, you in most cases do not need an eTA but still need a valid passport. Visa-required travellers need a visitor visa, although citizens of select visa-required countries may be eligible to apply for an eTA instead when travelling by air.[3] US citizens are exempt from the eTA and must carry proper identification.[3]
The eTA costs CAN$7 on the official site.[2] The CBSA warns that companies claiming to help with an eTA do not operate on behalf of the Government of Canada and many charge a fee.[1] The CBSA says most applicants are approved within minutes but some take several days, so it advises not waiting until the last minute.[1] IRCC notes an eTA does not guarantee entry; a border services officer decides on arrival.[3] Check the official eTA page for any service notices before you apply. The CBSA page also carries a notice about temporary border measures, so check its current notices before you travel.[1]
NEXUS and other trusted traveller cards
You may use a NEXUS card to enter Canada, but the CBSA says to always carry your passport or proof of permanent residence in case you have to prove citizenship or permanent residence.[1][4]
Dual citizens and boarding
The CBSA lists dual citizens in its further reading. IRCC says dual Canadian citizens must travel with a valid Canadian passport, and American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or US passport.[3] The CBSA also says that documents required by airlines may differ from those the CBSA requires on entry, and that boarding a plane does not guarantee admission.[1]
Children
When travelling with a minor, carry acceptable ID for the minor and copies of custody documents if applicable, arrive in the same vehicle, and carry a consent letter if you share custody and the other parent is not travelling, or if you are not the parent or guardian. See the children guide.[1]
About this guide
Officers decide at the border; this is general information, not official guidance. travel.tnaado.ca is not affiliated with CBP, CBSA, DHS or the Government of Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport to drive into Canada as a US citizen?
The CBSA recommends one but accepts documents showing name, date of birth and citizenship, such as a birth certificate (with photo ID if needed) or an enhanced driver's licence.[1]
Do I need an eTA if I am driving?
IRCC says that in most cases an eTA-required traveller arriving by car, bus, train or boat does not need an eTA but needs a valid passport.[3]
Do US green card holders need an eTA?
No. IRCC says US lawful permanent residents are exempt, with passport and green card.[3]
How much is an eTA?
CAN$7 on the Government of Canada's official page.[2]
Can I rely on my NEXUS card alone?
The CBSA says to always carry a passport or proof of permanent residence as well.[1]
Is Canada's documentation advice the same as the airline's?
Not necessarily; the CBSA says airline requirements can differ.[1]
Sources
- CBSA, Travel and identification documents for entering Canada (page dated 2026-06-05). https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html. Read 2026-10-20.
- Government of Canada, Electronic travel authorization (eTA). https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html. Read 2026-10-20.
- Government of Canada, eTA: Who can apply. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/eligibility.html. Read 2026-10-20.
- CBSA, How to use NEXUS to enter Canada. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/travel-voyage/prog/nexus/how-utiliser-eng.html. Read 2026-10-20.