The following rules apply:

All Visitors Entering Canada: 
International visitors entering Canada must be in possession of a valid national passport and may also require a visa. Although United States citizens do not have to have a visa to enter Canada, they must carry government-issued photographic identification (such as a driver's license) AND proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or certificate of citizenship), OR a passport, OR a NEXUS card.

Children under the age of 18 entering Canada are subject to the same entry requirements as any other visitor to Canada. Requirements change if the child is travelling with one parent, no parents or travelling alone. For detailed information on entry requirements for children, go to www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/rc4161-eng.html#P002

US Visitors Returning to the United States:

If re-entering the US by air,  a passport, OR a NEXUS card is necessary, so ensure that you have either of these documents before leaving home. Children are required to present their own passports or NEXUS cards.

If re-entering the US by land or sea (including ferries): US and Canadian citizens 19 years or over must carry a government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver's license) AND proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate or a passport OR a NEXUS card. After mid-January 2008, Washington State Residents may use an Enhanced Drivers License (see below) in lieu of the documents listed above. Children age 18 and under will be able to enter with proof of citizenship (e.g. a certified birth certificate). NEXUS card holders have the added advantage of being able to access special lanes that by-pass border line-ups using a single card, if everyone in the vehicle is in possession of this special card.

After January 31, 2008, verbal claims of citizenship and identity alone will not be sufficient to establish identity and citizenship for entry into the United States - documents will be necessary.

Washington State Residents (land and sea entry only):

Washington State Residents who are US citizens will be able to obtain Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) after mid-January which present a lower-cost and more accessible alternative to the passport (and a multitude of documents) when visiting Canada. To obtain more information on how you can obtain your EDL, visit www.dol.wa.gov/about/news/priorities/edl.html

Dislike Waiting in Line-Ups? Get a NEXUS Card!

NEXUS card holders can access special lanes and technology to allow them to by-pass border line-ups at air, land and sea borders. To learn more about getting NEXUS cards for you and the members of your family, visit www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/nexus_prog/nexus.xml

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

The US Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHIT) will eventually require all travellers to the US to show passports (including returing US citizens) or acceptable alternative documents (NEXUC card or EDL). The WHTI is currently being phased in according to mode of travel. The requirement for air travel took effect in January of 2007. It is expected that the WHTI will be fully implemented (land and sea crossings) as early as the fall fo 2008.

Click here for more information on this new travel policy, including how to apply for a passport, or visit the US Department of State website.

Ports of Entry:
BC has several ports of entry. Major border crossings, including the Douglas (Peace Arch) crossing, are open 24 hours while others operate on a limited schedule.

Pleasure boats / Private aircraft: Boaters must contact Canada Border Services Agency upon arrival at an approved reporting site. Private aircraft must contact Canada Border Services Agency between 2 and 48 hours prior to arrival and again upon arrival at an approved airport of entry.

Personal:
All goods must be declared. Persons aged 19 and over are entitled to bring into Canada: up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, 200 g (8 oz) of tobacco, and 1.14 l (40 oz) of spirits or wine, or 8.5 litres (288 oz) of beer or ale.

Pets:
Dogs and cats from the US must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian of Canada or the US certifying that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 months. For more information contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at 1-888-732- 222 or visit www.inspection.gc.ca.

Fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, plant material:
Restrictions apply to the importation of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products and plant material. For more information contact the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency at 1-888-732-6222 or visit www.inspection.gc.ca.

Weapons:
All firearms must be declared. Revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms and other weapons and self-defense sprays (e.g. mace, pepper spray) are prohibited. For more information contact the Canadian Firearms Centre toll-free inquiry line at 1-800-731-4000.

For more information on customs offices and regulations when entering Canada, visit the website for the Canada Border Services Agency at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/; or, call 1-800-461-9999 (toll-free within Canada), or 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 from outside Canada (long-distance charges apply).