Important things to know before you cross the border!     

When traveling between Canada and the United States, it will be necessary to pass through Customs at the border. The professionals who work at Customs are highly trained and this process is generally very simple. They’ll ask to see your ID, ask about your citizenship and ask you to produce proof of citizenship. Millions of people cross the border every year with ease, but some are refused due to lack of sufficient documentation. If you want to have a successful border crossing, it is important to know everything you’ll need before you get there.

Identification Is Required!
Identification is necessary for travel between the United States and Canada. Due to heightened security all travelers are encouraged to travel with a passport if available. Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 years and older who enter the U.S. at land and sea ports will need to present government issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license as proof of identity, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, or a passport. Children age 18 and under will be able to enter with proof of citizenship, no photo ID required. If you are not a United States or Canadian born citizen you will be required to have a passport and possibly a Visa.  Airlines will require a passport for all travelers. 

What is an Enhanced Driver License?   
Starting in January 2008, U.S. citizens who are Washington State residents will be eligible to purchase an Enhanced Driver License for $15.00 more than a regular driver license. This EDL will meet the requirements for proof of citizenship to re-enter the U.S. from Canada and Mexico by land or sea. Many other states will soon have EDL available for their residents, check with your local DOL for more information. 

Further information is available online  at the Department of Licensing website (http://www.dol.wa.gov/about/news/priorities/edl.html).

Children and Infants Require More Proof 
Parents traveling with children ages 18 and under and infants are required to provide identification and proof of citizenship for each child.  If both birth parents are not traveling you must have written authorization from the parent(s) or proof of custody.  Failure to provide such evidence may make you inadmissable to Canada.

“Felons” Beware
Persons with a felony may be denied entrance into Canada. If you have been convicted of a crime in the United States it may be considered a felony in Canada. A Driving While Intoxicated conviction (D.W.I.) is considered a felony in Canada.

Need More Information?           
For further information on crossing the US/Canadian Border, please visit the US Customs and Immigration website (http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/temp_1305.html) where you’ll find information on crossing the border and duties you may have to pay on goods you bring back to the US. You can also check out the Canada Border Services Agency website (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/faq/visit/index.asp) for more Canadian border-crossing information.