2025 Guide: What Americans Need to Know for Land Travel to Canada

Current Context: Canada-US Relations in 2025

Travel between the United States and Canada continues to flow relatively normally for American citizens, despite commercial tensions related to tariffs. Canada maintains a welcoming policy for American visitors, with clear procedures and well-established documentary requirements.

No Visa Required for Short Stays

Good news for Americans:

• No visa required for tourist visits of less than 180 days
• No Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) required for land or sea entry
• eTA is only necessary for travel by air
• Tourist stays can extend up to 6 months at the discretion of the border officer

Types of travel permitted without visa:

• Tourism and vacations
• Family visits
• Short-term business travel
• Conference or event participation
• Transit to other destinations

Important: Other types of travel (work, study, immigration) generally require special visas or permits.

Required Documents for Land Entry

For adult American citizens:

• U.S. passport (recommended - most reliable document)
• U.S. passport card
• Enhanced driver's license (issued only by New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, and Washington)
• NEXUS card (trusted traveler program)

For American children (under 16):

• Original birth certificate or certified copy
• U.S. passport
• NEXUS card
• Other special documents for certain situations

For U.S. permanent residents:

• Valid passport from their country of nationality
• Valid Green Card or equivalent proof of U.S. status

Warning: REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada.

Entry Process to Canada

Upon arrival at the land border:

1. Primary inspection: Presentation of identity documents
2. Border officer questions: Purpose of trip, length of stay, ties to the United States
3. Baggage examination if necessary
4. Customs declaration for transported goods

What border officers may request:

• Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
• Address where you will stay in Canada
• Details about your ties to the United States (employment, residence, family)
• Proof of legitimate purpose for your visit
• Return tickets or travel itinerary

Secondary inspection:

If directed to secondary inspection, this is a normal process. Your cooperation is appreciated and helps ensure Canada's security. You may need to complete forms or have your luggage examined.

Important Entry Restrictions

Criminal record:

If you have a criminal record, you may be inadmissible to Canada. Consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to determine if you are criminally inadmissible and how to overcome this situation.

Controlled substances:

Canadian law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal under the laws of certain U.S. states.

Cannabis:

Canada has legalized personal consumption of recreational cannabis, but Canadian law prohibits taking cannabis across Canada's national borders.

Border Controls and Electronic Devices

Electronic device searches:

Canadian officials may search your computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices without a warrant at the border. Illegal content can result in device seizure as well as detention, arrest, and prosecution of the bearer.

Practical advice:

• Ensure your devices contain no illegal content
• Be prepared to provide access to your devices if requested
• Back up important data before traveling

Firearms and Special Restrictions

Strict firearm control:

Canada controls firearms more strictly than the United States. Violation of firearm restrictions may result in prosecution and imprisonment.

Mandatory procedures:

Visitors bringing any firearms or ammunition into Canada must declare the firearms in writing using a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. If you plan to borrow and use a firearm in Canada, you must obtain a Temporary Firearms Borrowing License in advance.

Important: Officials will confiscate firearms, ammunition, and other weapons from persons crossing the border who do not declare having these items in their possession. Officials will not return confiscated weapons.

Traveling with Children

Required documents:

If you plan to travel to Canada with a minor for whom you do not have full legal custody, CBSA may require a letter of authorization from the minor's parents or legal guardians.

Recommended consent letter:

A consent letter should be used for all cross-border travel when a child is traveling without both parents. Border officers watch for missing children and may ask detailed questions about children traveling with you.

Permitted Goods and Customs Restrictions

Personal exemptions:

• Personal goods for use during the stay
• Gifts of limited value
• Personal amounts of alcohol and tobacco (according to provincial limits)

Mandatory declaration:

Border officers can seize currency, checks, or other monetary instruments at the border if you do not declare them.

Food and agricultural products:

Certain restrictions apply to food, plant, and animal products to protect Canadian agriculture.

ArriveCAN Application (Optional)

Advance declaration:

If you arrive by air at one of Canada's participating international airports, you can save time at the border. Submit your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada.

Note: This feature is primarily available for air travel.

Programs to Facilitate Border Crossing

NEXUS Program:

Both the U.S. and Canadian governments encourage frequent travelers to join the NEXUS trusted traveler program.

NEXUS benefits:

• Dedicated lanes at borders
• Expedited inspection process
• Usable in both directions
• Valid for air, land, and sea travel

Practical Tips for Smooth Passage

Recommended preparation:

1. Check wait times at border posts before departure
2. Have all your documents easily accessible
3. Prepare clear answers about the purpose and duration of your visit
4. Ensure you have sufficient funds or proof of financial means
5. Keep receipts for major purchases

Recommended attitude:

• Be courteous and cooperative with border officers
• Answer all questions honestly
• Be patient - inspections can take time
• Don't carry anything illegal or restricted

Transportation and Logistics

Vehicles:

Automobile warranties of vehicles purchased in the United States may not be valid in Canada.

Travel insurance:

Strongly recommended to cover medical care in Canada, as your American insurance might not be accepted.

Emergencies:

As in the United States, all emergency assistance in Canada can be reached by dialing 911.

Important Legal Differences

Metric system:

Canada uses the metric system (kilometers, liters, Celsius).

Currency:

Canadian dollar (CAD) - check current exchange rates.

Official languages:

French and English - government services are available in both languages.

Final Recommendations

Before traveling:

1. Check the CBSA website for recent updates
2. Verify the validity of all your documents
3. Purchase appropriate travel insurance
4. Plan your itinerary and accommodations

During travel:

• Respect all Canadian laws
• Keep your documents secure
• Stay informed about local conditions
• Enjoy your stay in Canada!

Canada warmly welcomes American visitors and strives to make the entry process as smooth as possible for well-prepared travelers.

Last updated: June 2025 | Sources: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), U.S. Department of State