Crossing the US / Canadian Border
Required Travel Documents
Effective on June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling between the United States and Canada by land and sea—including those who travel via The CAT—must present travel documents prior to boarding that comply with Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requirements.
US & Canadian Citizens
For U.S. citizens, acceptable documents include:
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Passport Card
- Trusted Traveler Program Cards (NEXUS or FAST/Expres)
- Enhanced Drivers License (EDL)
For Canadian citizens, acceptable documents include:
- Canadian Passport
- Trusted Traveler Program Cards (NEXUS or FAST/Expres)
- Enhanced Drivers License (EDL)
Information on these documents and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is available by visiting www.GetYouHome.gov
Complete, updated information on document requirements for U.S. — Canada border crossing and international travel for U.S. citizens is available by visiting www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778
Complete, updated information on document requirements for Canada — U.S. border crossing and international travel for Canadian citizens is available at www.passportcanada.gc.ca or call 1-800-567-6868
Citizens outside US & Canada
Citizens of countries other than the US or Canada are required to show a valid passport and may require a visa to enter the US or Canada. Please check with www.cbp.gov or call 202-663-1225 for entry to the US. Visit www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or call 1-800-O-CANADA for entry to Canada. It is the traveler's responsibility to possess the necessary travel documentation to enter the US or Canada.
Additional information
Traveling with Children
In order to bring a child into another country without both parents accompanying the child, you must present a notarized letter that is signed by both parents and the above required travel documents. Letters must include dates of travel and with whom the child will be traveling with. If in the case of a deceased parent an original death certificate must be presented.
Persons with a felony may be denied entrance into Canada
If you have been convicted of a crime in the United States it may be considered a felony in Canada. A Driving While Intoxicated conviction (D.W.I./O.U.I./D.U.I., etc.) is considered a felony in Canada.
Please Note: While Bay Ferries reservations/call centre representatives can assist customers with travel planning, definitive and official information and instructions on travel documents must be obtained from the U.S. or Canadian government. Passengers are responsible for their own travel documents and travel preparations.
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