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.