Do I need to be vaccinated to enter the United States?
No. As of May 12, 2023, you no longer need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States, regardless of whether you arrive by car, train, boat or plane.
What are the requirements for entering the United States by air?
To enter the United States by air, you must present a valid Canadian passport or NEXUS card (even for a simple connection). Children also must have one of these two documents.
As a traveller, you are responsible for ensuring that you meet the requirements, which are outlined on travel.gc.ca.
What are the requirements for entering the United States by car or boat?
Any Canadian citizen aged 16 or older must present either of the following documents when entering the United States by land (or sea):
- a valid passport;
- a membership card for an expedited border crossing program like NEXUS;
- an Enhanced Identification Card proving Canadian citizenship; or
- a Secure Certificate of Indian Status.
Canadian citizens aged 15 or under who are accompanied and those aged 16 or 17 who are travelling to the U.S. by land or sea with a school or other organized group (under the supervision of an adult and with consent from a parent or guardian) may present the original or a copy of their birth certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card or certificate.
What is a NEXUS card and who is it for?
The NEXUS card helps frequent travellers get across the border faster. Travellers must apply to get one. A NEXUS card can be used instead of a passport to enter or leave the U.S. by land or sea. It can also be used at self-service checkpoints when returning to Canada by air.
What are the requirements for returning to Canada?
COVID-19–related requirements to return to Canada (vaccination status, random testing, isolation/quarantine) were lifted by the Canadian government. The ArriveCAN app is still available, but its use is now optional. Travellers can also use it to fill out their customs declarations.
However, the government reserves the right to reinstate certain border measures should the situation become a concern again. For more information or to find out what you need to know before crossing the border, visit the Canadian government website.
What travel insurance is recommended for the United States?
If you’re planning a trip to the U.S., even for just a day, you should purchase emergency medical travel insurance before leaving. But for even better protection against the unexpected, it’s wise to add trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Thinking of visiting the U.S. more than once this year or travelling abroad elsewhere? Consider getting annual travel insurance. It will cover you for all your trips, all year long—making your life easier.
What about snowbirds heading to the United States?
All Canadian travellers—including snowbirds—must comply with the entry requirements for their means of travel. To help you prepare for your trip, see our comprehensive report on snowbirds.
What can I bring home to Canada after a stay in the U.S. (personal exemptions)?
Food, alcoholic beverages, and gifts are some of the things you can bring home from a trip to the United States or elsewhere. It’s important to understand these personal exemptions so you can avoid paying duties and taxes or having prohibited items confiscated.
Similarly, you should know what foods you can and cannot bring into the United States by land. Regulations on the entry of animals and animal products into the U.S. change frequently based on disease outbreaks in various parts of the world.
Important travel information
Check out our helpful information and travelling tips related to Covid-19, including health measures for before, during, and after a trip, cancellation policies, travel insurance, and more.
Specifics for travellers with a criminal record
Have a criminal record? You probably won’t be allowed to enter the United States (or even stop over), even if you have received a pardon in Canada. To obtain a waiver (fees apply) or for further information, contact the U.S. Consulate General. Note that a waiver is not required if you have a record of impaired driving with no aggravating factors (no injuries or deaths).
