Minister Day reminds Canadians about new U.S. document requirements for land and water entry

January 31, 2008 — The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, issued the following statement in response to the beginning of new US document requirements for crossing the Canada-US border.

"Canadian citizens will now be asked to present documents denoting citizenship and identity when entering the United States through land and water ports of entry.

The United States will accept a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or citizenship card. Canadian citizens can also use a passport, a NEXUS or FAST card or an enhanced driver's licence. Canadian and American citizens 18 years of age and younger may present a birth certificate.

We have worked vigorously with the U.S. government to ensure that legitimate trade and travel across our borders are not disrupted as a result of the new document requirements. We are encouraged to see that our efforts are leading to recognition that enhanced driver's licences could serve as an alternative to passports. I was happy to announce earlier this month with the British Columbia government the first enhanced driver's licence program.

Our Government has implemented a comprehensive national information campaign to inform Canadians of the new document requirements to enter the United States and to ensure that legitimate trade and travel across our borders are not disrupted.

We continue to encourage all Canadians to get a passport if they plan to travel internationally, including to the United States. Canadian citizens flying to, through or from the United States must present a valid Canadian passport or a valid NEXUS card when used at participating airports."

Full implementation of US travel document requirements under the US Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will come into effect no earlier than June 1, 2009. The US has not yet released the Final Rule on full implementation, which will specify the secure travel documents that will be accepted at land and water ports of entry.

Entry requirements to the United States have not changed for non-Canadian citizens resident in Canada. For more information on U.S. entry requirements consult the Department of Homeland Security website at www.dhs.gov.

For more information, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website at www.cbsa.gc.ca.

Information:

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2863