Passport Requirements and Border Information
Visitors to Whistler from other countries should be aware that Canada has certain requirements for who can enter the country and the type of identification they must carry.
Passport Requirements
Persons visiting from countries other than the United States should carry their passport and may require
visitor visas to enter Canada. A list of applicable countries can be found
here. Other regulations apply if an extended stay, work or certain
types of business activity are contemplated.
Check with the nearest Canadian Consulate well in advance
of travel.
As of July 16, 2009, Mexican visitors require a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. Please
apply at the
Canadian Embassy in Mexico City.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is U.S. legislation
that requires all travellers carry a valid passport or other appropriate
secure document, or combination of documents that establish citizenship
and identity when travelling to the United States from within the Western
Hemisphere.
Since January 23, 2007, anyone travelling by air between the United States and Canada is required to present a valid passport or NEXUS card (when
used at designated airports) to enter or re-enter the United States.
As of June 1, 2009, a valid passport OR one of the following documents is mandatory for any person over the age of 16 travelling between the United States and Canada by
LAND or SEA/WATER (including cruises and ferries):
- U.S. Passport Card (not valid for international air travel)
- A NEXUS or FAST/EXPRES Card
- State or Province-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (not valid for
international air travel)
As of June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizens under the age of 16, or
under the age of 19 if travelling with a school, religious, or other youth
group, may present a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad,
Canadian Citizenship Card or a naturalization certificate. Birth certificates
can be an original, photocopy, or certified copy.
What is NEXUS?
NEXUS is a joint program between the Canada Border Services Agency
(CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that expedites the
border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada
and the United States.
Obtaining a NEXUS card
To become a member in the NEXUS program, you must submit an
application and go through a registration process, satisfy the eligibility
criteria, be admissible in Canada and the United States, and pass risk
assessments by both countries.
If you are approved to participate in NEXUS, you will receive a membership
identification card to use when entering Canada or the United States at
all participating NEXUS air, land and marine ports of entry.
More detailed information on the WHTI can be found on the
U.S. Department of State website.
Border Information
People intending to visit Canada who have committed a criminal offence such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be inadmissible to Canada or only admissible by permit which carries a C$200 processing fee.
As of March 1, 2012, people who have been convicted of a criminal offence may be able to get a temporary resident permit for one visit without having to pay the C$200 processing fee.
More information for visitors:
- Parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the
legal custody documents. It is also recommended that they have a letter
of authorization from the other custodial parent to take the child on a
trip out of the country. Such a letter will confirm that the child is not
being abducted or taken against his/her will. The parents’ full name,
address and telephone number should be included in the letter of authorization.
- When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should
arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the children.
- Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission
from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. The permission
letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents
or guardian can be reached.
- CBSA officers watch for missing children, and may ask detailed questions
about the children who are travelling with you.
Resources for Visitors to Canada:
Information for visitors to Canada from the
Canada Border Services Agency.
Tips for American travellers to Canada from
The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs.
User friendly traveler information with the
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.