📄 Required Travel Documents
Canadian Citizens
- Valid Canadian Passport - Most reliable and universally accepted
- Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) - Available in some provinces for land/sea crossings only
- NEXUS Card - For pre-approved low-risk travelers
- FAST Card - For commercial drivers in the Free and Secure Trade program
Permanent Residents of Canada
- Valid passport from your country of citizenship
- Valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card
- May need a US visa depending on your nationality
Other Documents to Bring
- Driver's license and vehicle registration (if driving)
- Proof of insurance (vehicle and travel/health)
- Proof of accommodation in the US
- Return tickets or proof of onward travel
- Sufficient funds for your stay
📅 Staying Longer than 30 Days
If you plan to stay in the US for more than 30 days, there are additional considerations:
I-94 Form (Arrival/Departure Record)
What is the I-94? The I-94 is an electronic arrival/departure record issued by US Customs and Border Protection. It's now automated and available online.
Access your I-94: I94.cbp.dhs.gov
Important for Long Stays
- Track your days: Canadian citizens can typically stay up to 6 months
- Admission stamp: You'll receive a stamp on your passport showing your admit until date
- Print your I-94: Keep a copy for your records and for any official purposes
- Departure evidence: For land departures, keep evidence like entry stamps, tickets, or receipts
Snowbirds (Extended Winter Stays)
Stay Limits
Maximum 182 days (6 months) to avoid US tax residency issues. Track your days carefully!
Documentation
Keep proof of Canadian ties (property, bank accounts, family) and maintain health insurance.
Insurance Required
Provincial coverage expires after 30-60 days. Get extended coverage from Canamins.com
💼 Business Travel & Work Authorization
Business Activities WITHOUT a Work Visa
Canadian citizens can do these without work authorization:
- Attending business meetings or conferences
- Negotiating contracts
- Consulting with business associates
- Attending trade shows or conventions
- Taking orders for goods manufactured outside the US
Activities Requiring Work Authorization
- Employment by a US company
- Receiving payment from US sources
- Productive work benefiting a US employer
- Long-term assignments or projects
Common Work Visas for Canadians
TN Visa (USMCA)
For qualified professionals. Can be obtained at the border with job offer letter and proof of qualifications.
H-1B Visa
Specialty occupations. Requires employer sponsorship and advance application through lottery system.
L-1 Visa
Intra-company transfers for managers, executives, or specialized knowledge workers.
👨👩👧👦 Traveling with Children
Special requirements apply when crossing with minors (under 18), especially without both parents.
With Both Parents
- Each child needs their own travel document (passport recommended)
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate showing parents' names)
- No additional documentation typically required
With One Parent
- Notarized consent letter from non-traveling parent
- Letter should include: names and addresses of both parents, child's full name and DOB, travel dates, destination, contact info, signature and date
- Copy of non-traveling parent's ID
- Child's birth certificate
With Guardians or Groups
- Notarized parental consent letter from BOTH parents
- Copies of both parents' IDs
- Contact information for both parents
- Letter from school or organization (for group travel)
Special Circumstances
Sole Custody
- Court custody documents
- Death certificate (if applicable)
- Legal proof of sole custody
Divorced/Separated
- Custody agreement or court order
- Consent letter from other parent
- Proof of notification
Different Last Names
- Birth certificate proving relationship
- Adoption papers (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate
🛃 Customs, Duty-Free Limits & Prohibited Items
Duty-Free Allowances
Alcohol
- 1 liter duty-free
- Must be 21+ years old
- Personal use only
Tobacco
- 200 cigarettes
- 100 cigars
- Must be 18+ (21+ in some states)
Gifts & Purchases
- Up to $800 USD
- Personal use items
- Must declare all items
Must Declare
- All food items (meat, fruits, vegetables, dairy)
- Agricultural products and plants
- Currency over $10,000 USD
- Merchandise for resale
- All gifts and purchases
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Cannabis/Marijuana (illegal under US federal law - even if legal in Canada)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat and meat products
- Counterfeit goods
- Endangered species products
Medications
- Keep in original containers
- Carry copy of prescription or doctor's letter
- Declare all medications
- Only personal use quantities (up to 90 days)
🏥 Travel and Health Insurance
Why Travel Insurance is Essential
Provincial health insurance provides limited or NO coverage in the United States. A single emergency can result in bills exceeding $100,000.
Get protected before you travel. Visit Canamins.com for comprehensive travel insurance designed for Canadians.
Real Cost Examples
- Heart attack treatment: $50,000 - $150,000+
- Broken leg with surgery: $20,000 - $40,000
- Emergency appendectomy: $15,000 - $35,000
- Ambulance ride: $400 - $2,000+
- ER visit: $500 - $3,000
Travel insurance costs $5-15/day - a small price for peace of mind!
Who Especially Needs Insurance
Snowbirds
Provincial coverage expires after 30-60 days. Extended stay insurance is essential.
Seniors
Higher risk of health issues requiring expensive care in the US.
Families
Kids get sick and injured - be prepared for unexpected medical costs.