Victoria Express

U.S. Citizens: As of June 1, 2009, requirements for land and sea border crossings for U.S. born citizens and naturalized citizens requires a Passport, or a Passport Card, or an Enhanced Driver’s license (currently offered in the states of Washington, Michigan, Vermont and New York; also at this time Minnesota, North Dakota, Idaho and New Hampshire are contemplating an EDL program for their state). Please check with the state’s department of driver’s licensing). An EDL allows U.S. citizens to return from Canada or Mexico via land or sea. If you are a resident of the state of Washington, EDL’s can be obtained from any of 11 participating Washington Licensing Service locations. U.S. citizens may also present a travel program card such as NEXUS (U.S./Canada), SENTRI (U.S./Mexico) or FAST (Commercial Truckers U.S./Canada/Mexico).

For children under the age of 16, be prepared to have identification such as a passport or a birth certificate. In addition to that proof of citizenship, children under the age of 16 traveling with only one parent (includes divorced parents) must have written permission from the absent parent authorizing the child to cross an international border. Where children are traveling with adults other than parents (i.e. grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, or family friends), written permission is required from both parents authorizing the child to cross an international border and be in the care of the person(s) with whom they are traveling. That written permission should also include a statement that the person traveling with the child has permission to authorize medical treatment in the event of a medical emergency.

U.S. Military personnel and their immediate family members must carry necessary civilian I.D. when traveling to Canada.

Legal, permanent residents of the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens must carry their Alien Registration Card (U.S. form 1-151 or 1-551).

Native American or First Nation persons require a Tribal Photo Identification Card, through May 3l, 2009. U.S. and Canadian border agencies are working closely with Native American and First Nation peoples to develop an Enhanced Tribal Photo Identification Card that will comply with the June 1, 2009 effective date of Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requirements. Some Native American/First Nation Tribal agencies have already complied with the June 1, 2009 requirement.

Canadian Citizens entering the U.S. by land or sea will need the following: As of June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens will be asked to present one of the following valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant documents: a passport, or a NEXUS card, or a FAST card; or an EDL or EIC (Enhanced Identification Card) from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented).

Children of Canadian citizenship, under the age of 16, will require only proof of citizenship, such as an original or a copy of a birth certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who are traveling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof of citizenship alone.