Travelling to the United States: Frequently asked questions

What documents do you need to enter the United States by plane?

To enter the United States by air, all travellers—including children—must present:

• A valid Canadian passport or valid NEXUS card (even for a connecting flight) for all travellers, including children
• For permanent residents: A non-immigrant visa, obtained before departure, as well as a valid passport from their country of citizenship

Always check the latest requirements at voyage.qc.ca, as they may change. The Sherpa tool can also provide information on entry conditions.

What is a NEXUS card and who is it for?

The NEXUS card speeds up border crossing for frequent travellers who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada or the United States. It allows you to:

• Replace your passport for flights between Canada and the United States;
• Use self-service declaration kiosks when returning to Canada by air.

What documents do you need to enter the United States by car or boat?

Canadian citizens aged 16 and over must present one of the following documents when entering the United States by land or sea:

• A valid passport
• A card from a trusted traveller program, such as NEXUS
• An EDL card proving Canadian citizenship
• A Secure Certificate of Indian Status

Travellers aged 15 and under, or under 19 and travelling with a school or adult-supervised group, must present one of the following:

• An original or copy of a birth certificate
• A Canadian citizenship card

Entry to the United States is free. However, some bridges or toll roads near the border require payment, typically by credit card, debit, or contactless. Some smaller border crossings only accept cash in US dollars.

What additional information may be requested at the border?

In addition to the required documents, US authorities may ask for:

• The address where you will be staying in the United States (including Puerto Rico);
• A document proving that you live, work, or study in Canada;
• Proof that your trip is legitimate and that its duration will be reasonable;
• Proof that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.

What should you do with your electronic devices at US customs?

These simple habits can help protect your personal information when crossing the border:

• Travel light digitally: Keep only the data you need for your trip.
• Stay in control of your accounts: Log out and disable automatic sync before arriving.
• Store essentials securely: Use a secure cloud storage option, without syncing during the border crossing.

Access to your devices may be requested, and your cooperation will make entry smoother. If subjected to a search, stay calm.

Is travel insurance necessary for the United States?

Yes. Emergency medical insurance is essential in the United States, even for a short visit, such as a shopping trip.

For complete coverage, you can also add:

• Trip cancellation insurance and trip interruption insurance;
• Annual travel insurance if you plan to make multiple trips to the United States or elsewhere in the world during the same year.

Where can I check border wait times?

Border wait times for Canada-US are available online 24/7.

• Canadian customs wait times—updated every hour
• US customs wait times (English only)

Are there special rules for Canadian snowbirds in the United States?

Yes. Canadian travellers who spend extended periods in the United States must:

• Meet the entry requirements based on their mode of transport;
• Complete the conditions related to Form I-94;
• Respect the 182-day rule to maintain their coverage with the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

To properly prepare for your extended stay, consult our Snowbirds guide.

What is Form I-94?

Form I-94 is generally required for Canadians entering the United States by land or sea and staying more than 30 days. Registration is done through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) portal. Once proof is available, you must print it and carry it with you.

Travellers arriving by plane typically receive an I-94 automatically, but you can verify your status online if needed. If no I-94 was issued, you will need to register using Form G-325R on the USCIS portal. Penalties may apply for failure to register.

What can you bring back to Canada after a trip to the United States?

You can bring back food, beverages, and gifts, but be careful:

• Respect your personal duty-free exemptions to avoid duties and taxes or having prohibited items confiscated.
• Also make sure you know which foods are allowed into the United States when crossing the border by land.

Can you enter the United States with a criminal record?

Probably not. Even with a Canadian pardon, you may be denied entry to the United States, even for a simple stopover.

Contact the US Consulate General to request a waiver (fees apply) or for any other information.

Can you enter the United States with a pet?

Yes, but you must comply with US entry rules for animals. Dogs must be in good health, properly vaccinated against rabies (certificate required), and may be subject to an inspection upon arrival.

For cats, requirements vary by state. Always check the latest rules before your departure, as they may change. Also read our tip on travelling with your pet.

Explore destinations in the United States

Plan your trip to the United States by visiting our Destinations section. You’ll find detailed information on cities and regions: must-see attractions, activities, and practical tips. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or solo, find the destination that suits your stay.

Good to know: CAA-Quebec members can get many road maps in paper format for free. Order them online or visit your Travel Centre to take advantage of this benefit.

Finally, before any departure to the United States, always verify the latest requirements with US authorities.