Notification: U.S. visitors crossing the border

Given announcements made by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Congress and Washington State regarding travel document options for U.S. citizens entering and re-entering the U.S., Tourism Whistler would like to highlight a few key details that will be of interest to our Members and U.S. visitors:

There have been no changes to requirements for U.S. visitors entering Canada; a passport is not currently required.Proof of citizenship (e.g. birth certificate) and a government issued photo ID (e.g. driver’s license) are required; a passport will also be accepted.

As of January 31, 2008 land and sea border crossings into the U.S. will end the routine practice of accepting oral declarations of citizenship.Those entering or re-entering the U.S. by land and sea will be required to present either a passport or proof of citizenship (e.g. birth certificate) and a government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver’s license).

As of January 2008, Washington State residents will have the option of acquiring a new Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). The EDL will be accepted by U.S. customs in lieu of a passport – for U.S. citizens entering or re-entering the U.S. via land or sea (a passport is still required for those entering or re-entering the U.S. by air). The EDL will be accepted along with proof of citizenship (e.g. birth certificate) by Canada customs in lieu of a passport – for U.S. citizens entering Canada via land, sea or air. Many other border states (including California, New York, Arizona, Michigan, Texas and Vermont) are also developing state-issued enhanced drivers licenses which will be recognized as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when entering or re-entering the U.S. These new documents will comply with travel rules under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Proof of citizenship and identity (e.g. EDL or birth certificate and traditional driver’s license) will be accepted by U.S. customs for U.S. citizens entering or re-entering the U.S. by land and sea. With the introduction of the new Enhanced Driver’s License, U.S. visitors now have an expanded selection of WHTI-compliant documents, including:

  • Passport – accepted at all entry points into the U.S. by air, land and sea
  • NEXUS – accepted by vast majority of entry points into U.S. by air, land and sea
  • Enhanced Driver’s License – available to Washington state residents beginning in January for entry by land and sea ONLY other states are planning to introduce the EDL in coming months

For your reference, attached is an overview document regarding Required Travel Documents for U.S. Visitors. Please note that the details compiled in this document have been acquired from several official information sources. However, for the most accurate and up-to-date details regarding travel document requirements for U.S. visitors please refer to the resources identified below:

Passport requirements for U.S. citizens entering United States:

Travel documents for U.S. citizens entering Canada

Enhanced Driver’s License