Trip planning

Planning to travel to the U.S. or Mexico?

Although the Government of Canada recommends that Canadians travelling to any destination outside of Canada carry a valid passport, it is not mandatory for travel to the United States or Mexico. To date, there is no policy change requiring Canadians to travel with their passports to these destinations. However, you must have sufficient identification to satisfy border officials of your identity and citizenship.

It is recommended that you consult your travel agent or the embassy or consultate of the country you plan to visit for travel document requirements.

Even though a passport is not presently required for entry to the United States, it is mandatory if you travel on a cruise or continue your travel on to another country.

If you're thinking of applying by mail, send your application early. It will take approximately 4 weeks for your application to be processed - this does not include mailing time. If there is missing information, your application will be returned to you for completion, and processing will be delayed. To allow us to serve you better, please read the following checklist to ensure quick and easy processing by mail.

In-person applications submitted to one of our offices are processed in ten working days (2 weeks). This does not include the day you submitted your application.

For those Canadians where access to these offices is not convenient, we ask that you clearly indicate your travel dates on your application form and file as early as possible.

We encourage you to use the passport receiving agent service that is available at participating offices in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island.

Do I now need a passport to travel to the United States?

Though passports are the document of choice for travel, Canadian citizens do not currently require a passport to travel to the United States. However, Passport Canada encourages Canadians who are considering travelling outside Canada to obtain a passport, as it is the most widely accepted proof of Canadian identity and citizenship.

In April 2005, the United States Government announced the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative to be implemented in three phases beginning on December 31, 2005. After further review, it was recognized that implementing the December 31, 2005 phase would be problematic for travellers.

On September 1, 2005, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative proposal was formally submitted for public comment. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all U.S. citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and citizens of Canada and Mexico to have a passport or other accepted secure document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States by January 1, 2008.

In the proposed implementation plan, which is subject to a period of initial public comment, the Initiative will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline will be as follows:

• December 31, 2006 - Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
• December 31, 2007 - Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.

For further information, visit the U.S. State Department Web sites at www.state.gov and www.travel.state.gov.

Planning a trip?

• Always carry a valid passport whenever you travel outside of Canada. It is the only proof of your citizenship and identity that is accepted in all countries.
• Unlike a birth certificate or driver's licence, a passport can be replaced if it is lost or stolen on your trip.
• A passport may be required for financial or legal transactions, such as cashing travellers' cheques.
• Consult your travel agent or the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for passport and visa requirements.

For Canadians travelling to the United States: Even though a passport is not required at this time for entry to the United States, it is essential if you decide to go on a cruise or to continue your travel to another country.

Before you leave... Be prepared

1. Try to apply for your passport during the off-season, between June and November.
2. Ensure that you are carrying a valid passport. Check that the expiry date of your passport is well beyond your return date.
3. Remember to sign your passport on page 3, and fill in your current address and the name of a person to contact in case of emergency on page 4.
4. Make two photocopies of the identification page of your passport.
   • Leave one copy with a friend or relative at home.
   • Bring the second copy with you on your trip. Carry this photocopy separately from your passport when you travel. This can help with the replacement process if your passport is lost or stolen.
5. Read the last page of your passport.

While away... Keep your passport safe

Your passport is a valuable document. Protect it at all times. Do not leave it unattended in your baggage, automobile, hotel room or elsewhere. Keep it on you at all times, such as in your inside coat pocket, purse, or money belt.

• Carry your passport on you in a money belt or lock it in your hotel safe.
• In some countries, you may have to surrender your passport to a foreign government official or a hotel/hostel employee. If you don't get it back in a reasonable time, inform the nearest Canadian Government Office.

Related Internet sites

• Travel @ home & abroad
  Whether you are travelling for pleasure, business or study - short or long term, travel @ home & abroad provides everything you need to prepare for your trip, valuable information you should take with you, and what you need to know to return. You'll also find great federal and provincial information on travelling around Canada and interesting things to see and do.
• Consular Affairs
  Interested in learning about the country you're planning to visit? The Consular Affairs Web site provides information and assistance for Canadians abroad, as well as travel information and advisory reports for would-be travellers.

• Foreign Affairs Canada

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• Health Canada's Travel Medicine Program

Updated: 2005-09-16

Important Notices