Travel between the US and Canada

Travel between the US and Canada is not complicated (if you have a passport), but if you want to make it even more streamlined, you may want to consider Global Entry (for return to the US from any other country) or Nexus (for travel between Canada and the US).

The Nexus application is complicated by the fact that you are required to attend an interview at a location that is on or very near the US/Canada border.

Both programs are about $120 (as of 2025), however, their updated processing times are now listed as 12-24 months (!!!).

Start Here to plan for MSACL 2026/27. Earlybird gets the worm!

At a minimum, you will need one of the following documents to enter Canada from the US.

1. U.S. Passport – Valid for AIR, LAND and SEA travel.
2. U.S. Passport Card – Valid for LAND and SEA travel, but NOT air travel.
3. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – Available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. Valid for LAND and SEA travel, but NOT air travel.
4. NEXUS Card – VALID for AIR, LAND or SEA travel IF you are travelling DIRECTLY from the USA. If you're traveling from a third country (not the USA), you MUST have a passport in addition to your NEXUS card.