valid id for travel within canada

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Travel and identification documents for entering Canada

From: Canada Border Services Agency

October 1, 2022 : COVID-19 emergency border measures ended

Refer to COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for details.

Make sure you carry proper identification for yourself and any children or minors travelling with you. You must be able to confirm your legal right or authorization to enter Canada at the border.

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Residents returning to canada, travel with children and minors, international visitors to canada, electronic travel authorization, fake websites, related links.

Planning travel to Canada? Visit COVID-19 : Entering Canada requirements checklist for information about quarantine and your admissibility to Canada.

Carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the United States (U.S.). It is the only universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

Acceptable documents to denote identity and citizenship

Other acceptable documents for establishing canadian citizenship, other acceptable documents to support identity, acceptable documents for establishing registered indian status and identity.

Upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry, travellers must satisfy a CBSA border services officer (BSO) that they meet the requirements for entry into Canada. For Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act, this can be done through questioning and through verifying documentation such as a:

  • Canadian passport
  • Canadian birth certificate
  • permanent residence card
  • citizenship card
  • Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or valid Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card

If you do not have a passport, and are returning to Canada, the following documents can denote identity and citizenship :

  • NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen, when entering Canada by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes
  • FAST card (Free and Secure Trade), issued to a Canadian citizen (when arriving by land or marine modes only)
  • Canadian emergency travel document
  • Canadian temporary passport
  • Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to present)
  • Enhanced driver's license issued by a Canadian province or territory
  • Enhanced identification/photo card issued by a Canadian province or territory

Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence , and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

The following documents may be used to establish Canadian citizenship . Upon presentation by travellers, the documents should be supported by other government issued photo identification:

  • Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, to February 14, 1977)
  • Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
  • Certificate of naturalization (issued before January 1, 1947)
  • Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)
  • Provincial or territorial birth certificate (individuals born in Canada)

The following documents may be used to establish your identity :

  • CANPASS card (air, corporate air, private air, remote area border crossing), held by a Canadian citizen
  • Commercial driver registration program card, held by a Canadian citizen
  • Provincial and territorial driver's license
  • Employment or student card with photo and signature
  • Provincial health insurance card
  • Provincial identity card
  • Canadian Forces identification
  • Police identification
  • Firearms acquisition certificate
  • Credit card
  • Vehicle insurance certificate
  • Vehicle registration

Every person registered under the Indian Act can enter and remain in Canada by right as per subsection A19(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act . The Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), more commonly referred to as the Status card, is an identity document issued by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada confirming that the cardholder is registered as a Status Indian under the Indian Act .

Note: The Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) was replaced by the SCIS in 2009. Existing versions of the CIS will remain valid until their renewal date.

If you plan to travel to or transit through the U.S., we encourage you to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the U.S.

For information on Canada-U.S. border-crossing issues, visit Crossing the Canada-U.S. border with a status card .

When travelling with a minor, you should:

  • carry copies of any legal custody documents, such as custody rights, if applicable
  • arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the minor
  • you share custody of the minor and the other parent or legal guardian is not travelling with you
  • you are not the parent or legal guardian of the minor

A consent letter must include the custodial parents' or legal guardians':

  • telephone number

Border services officers are always watching for missing children and may ask questions about any minors travelling with you.

To avoid delays, have your consent letter notarized to support its authenticity. For more information on consent letters and to download an interactive form, visit Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad .

More information

  • Children and travel
  • Our Missing Children program

Check Travel health measures

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.

International transport companies, such as airlines, must make sure that travellers have proper, valid travel documents. If you do not have the proper documents, you may be delayed or refused entry into Canada . What you need will depend on where you are from, how you are travelling, and what documents you are travelling with. Consult entry requirements by country .

When you enter Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if you are arriving from a country for which one is required. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website to learn more about what travel documents are required.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of identification and as a document that denotes citizenship, when arriving by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes.

Citizens of the U.S. who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land and marine modes only.

Permanent residents of the U.S. who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence , and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

All visitors arriving from or transiting through the U.S. are encouraged to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information concerning the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements to enter or return to the U.S.

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization ( eTA ) to fly to or transit through Canada.

Exceptions, or visa and eTA-exempt foreign nationals, include:

  • U.S. citizens
  • U.S Lawful Permanent Residents
  • travellers with a valid Canadian visa
  • Other exceptions

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents do not need to apply for an eTA.

Foreign nationals from select visa-required countries may also travel to or through Canada by air using an eTA , if eligible .

Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute.

  • Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization
  • Get help with Electronic Travel Authorizations
  • Dual citizens
  • Canadian permanent residents
  • Lawful permanent residents of the U.S.

Travellers who apply for an eTA are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer help in getting an eTA. These companies are not operating on behalf of the Government of Canada. Many have established websites that charge a fee to provide information and submit eTA applications.

This Government of Canada website is the official place to apply for an Electronic Travel Application .

  • Travelling with animals
  • Lost, stolen, seized, inaccessible or damaged passports
  • Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada
  • Programs for trusted travellers

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I am an American citizen. What do I need to enter Canada?

Help Centre what do you need help with?

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada . You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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Answers others found useful

  • Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
  • Do I need a Canadian visa if I have a United States visa?
  • How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?
  • I am visiting the U.S. I want to come to Canada. Do I need an eTA?
  • Do I need a visa if I am travelling through Canada without stopping or visiting?
  • How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?
  • I am travelling with my minor child without my spouse. What documents must I present?
  • What’s the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record?
  • Do I need to apply for both a visitor visa and an eTA?

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How to videos

valid id for travel within canada

Glossary term

  • Admissibility

You can use your Global Entry card as a Real ID

Liz Hund

It's 2020, which means the Real ID Act will be going into effect in October.

As of that month, if you do not have an ID that complies with the Real ID requirements, you will not be able to fly. The purpose of this change is to set clearer standards for government-issued photo ID. The law established a uniform set of security standards for driver's licenses and other government-issued ID cards. Most importantly, it prohibits government agencies from accepting identification that does not meet the new standards. One of the goals was to add an extra layer of security to commercial aviation by making it more difficult for people to obtain false documents and use them to board airplanes.

Related: Everything you need to know about getting a Real ID

To check if you have a Real ID , look for a star or flag in the upper right-hand corner of your ID. If there's no special indicator like the star or flag, it's not compliant. If you haven't gotten a new state ID in the past year or so, you probably don't have a Real ID.

There are a few reasons why you may be hesitant to get one. If your current ID doesn't expire for a few more years, you may not want to pay the fee to get a new one. You also might want to avoid the long wait times that typically come with a visit to the DMV.

Luckily, there are a few ways you can avoid a trip to the DMV without risking your flight privileges after September 2020

Global Entry card

Global Entry cards meet all the requirements for a Real ID, so if you don't want to spend the time getting a new state ID and have Global Entry, you're in the clear.

The membership costs $100 and is valid for five years. However, many travel rewards cards credit cardholders for the application fee so be sure to take advantage of that perk if you haven't already. Global Entry routes travelers through expedited screening for international travel and includes TSA PreCheck for domestic flights.

Further reading: Things to know before getting Global Entry

Passport or Passport card

You can also use your passport or passport card as a Real ID. For those unfamiliar with the passport card, they require a separate application and an additional fee. However, they can be especially handy since they are regular ID size. Although, it is only a valid form of ID for travel within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean and Bermuda.

Beyond those two common forms of identification for frequent travelers, you're also in the clear if you have any of the following IDs:

  • Permanent resident card
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID
  • Border crossing card
  • State-issued Enhanced Driver's License
  • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
  • HSPD-12 PIV card
  • Foreign government-issued passport
  • Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
  • Transportation worker identification credential
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Another reason to carry your Global Entry card is if you're traveling to and within Canada. Canada doesn't have TSA PreCheck, however, they have a similar trusted traveler program that grants Global Entry cardholders direct access to many airport security screening checkpoints across the country. Next time you're traveling in Canada, look for the Trusted Traveller line sign. Here you will be able to,

  • keep your shoes, belt and light jacket on
  • keep small items in your pockets
  • keep compliant liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-on bags

However, Canada requires all travelers to remove laptops trusted traveler or not.

Bottom line

If your state-issued ID is expiring soon anyway, it's better to just get a new ID now. However, it can be a hassle. If you have a Global Entry card or a passport, you're in the clear — just remember to bring them with you every time you travel both domestically and internationally.

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Identification Requirements

Remember your ID and travel documents.

You've planned and paid for your trip and you're ready to go. Don't let missing travel documents stop your plans short.

Guests of all ages require identification that matches the name and spelling on their ticket. You are responsible for making sure that you, and any child travelling with you, have the proper identification and travel documentation required to enter or connect through each country on your itinerary. Please consult with the  nearest embassy or consulate  of each country you plan to visit.

ID at boarding

The WestJet agent at the gate will verify your ID prior to boarding by ensuring that the name on your boarding pass matches your name on the ID and that you resemble the photo on your ID.

Denial of boarding

You may be denied boarding if you do not resemble the photo on your ID, or if you present more than one piece of identification and there is a significant discrepancy between these forms of identification.

We are no longer required to deny boarding if you do not appear to be the gender or age listed on your ID. However, we must still verify your ID to determine if you are 18 years of age or older.

Note: Information and guidance on this page is not meant to replace policies and regulations from official government sources. Visit the Government of Canada website to learn more.  

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Know before you go

Use our travel requirements tool to help book your next getaway.

International travel

Travel within canada, travel to, from or over the u.s., travel to the united states – electronic travel systems authorization (esta).

Travelling to the United States by air and you are a foreign traveler who does not require a visa to travel to the United States, please visit  https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta  to find out how to apply online for an Electronic Travel Systems Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours prior to travel. Applicants who apply on the same day of their flight’s departure risk not having an approved ESTA prior to their scheduled departure. Canadian Citizens do not require an Electronic Travel Systems Authorization for travel to the United States.

Secure Flight Program

Airlines are required to submit specific information to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for all guests travelling to, from or over the continental U.S. (excluding flights between two Canadian locations). The following information must be submitted 72 hours before travel or at the time of booking for bookings made less than 72 hours before flight departure:

  • name (as it appears on the government-issued ID that will be used when travelling)
  • date of birth
  • redress number  (if applicable)
  • known traveller number (if applicable)

For more information, please refer to the TSA's website regarding the  Secure Flight Program .

U.S. Customs and Border Protections (CBP)

U.S. CBP is required to collect the following information from persons entering the U.S.:

  • Date of birth
  • Citizenship
  • Passport number
  • Passport country of issuance
  • Passport expiration date
  • Country of residence
  • Your address while in the U.S.

Note: Address information is not required of U.S. citizens and legal U.S. Permanent Residents (who must provide their alien registration number).

TSA Pre-check logo

  • is an expedited security screening program that connects travellers departing from specific airports within the U.S. with smarter security and a better travel experience. TSA Pre✔® helps take the stress out of travel with no need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets.
  • uses a risk-based, intelligence-driven approach to provide the most effective security in the most efficient way.
  • travellers who have passed the TSA Pre✔®/ NEXUS or Global Entry vetting requirements become trusted travellers and receive expedited security screening.

With TSA Pre✔®

  • dedicated security lane
  • expedited airport security screening
  • no removal of belts, shoes, light jackets, bag of liquids, gels and aerosols (100 ml limit) from carry-on, laptops

Guests with TSA Pre✔®

To obtain a boarding pass with TSA Pre✔®, please enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN) during web, mobile, kiosk check-in or at a WestJet guest assistance counter at the U.S. departure station. If eligible, you will receive the TSA Pre✔® indicator on your boarding pass and you can head straight to the TSA Pre✔® security checkpoint.

Lost or stolen passports

If your passport has been lost or stolen, contact the consulate/embassy of your issuing country immediately. Canadians can report a lost or stolen passport to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. Passports located or turned in to a WestJet representative will be returned to the originating country.

We strongly recommend that you  apply for a new passport  if your current passport is damaged. Guests travelling with a passport that is damaged in any way could face significant delays and may be denied boarding.

Requirements of government authorities

As mentioned in the  WestJet Privacy Policy , we are required to collect personal information by government authorities in the U.S., Canada and other countries, and that information may be disclosed to those authorities without your knowledge or consent as required by law. It is the policy of WestJet to only collect and disclose what is required by law, and nothing further.

Transit without Visa Program

WestJet is a member of the Canadian Transit without Visa Program for guests entering Canada through Vancouver International Airport only. This program allows Chinese, Indonesian, Thai and Filipino nationals to travel Visa exempt with WestJet from the U.S. to Vancouver and connect to another flight departing Canada. Chinese, Indonesian, Thai and Filipino nationals must have a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada via any other city and connect to another flight departing Canada. Please refer to the Government of Canada website for more information.

Travel to Canada - Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Travelling to Canada by air and you are a foreign traveler who does not require a visa to travel to Canada, please visit  Canada.ca/eTA  to find out how to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization prior to travel. Foreign travelers with a valid Canadian visa, U.S. citizens, Canadian Citizens and Canadian Permanent residents do not require an Electronic Travel Authorization for travel to Canada.

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All identification information outlined above applies to your travel. You should also be aware that some hotel and activity suppliers may require ID for redemption of services.

Helpful Links

What is considered valid acceptable identification

Documents accepted as valid identification when applying for registration under the Indian Act or a secure status card.

On this page

What is valid acceptable identification, which forms of valid identification are acceptable.

  • How to apply if you don’t have valid acceptable identification

The identification needs to be issued by a federal, provincial, territorial or state government authority and valid, that is, not expired.

To be considered acceptable, the valid identification needs to include your:

  • date of birth

Valid acceptable identification includes:

  • the secure status card is acceptable if you were an adult (16 or older) when you last applied for it or are using it to apply on behalf of a child (15 or younger) or dependent adult
  • the status card is acceptable if you are using it to apply on behalf of a child (15 or younger) or dependent adult
  • an international passport is acceptable if it includes your name, date of birth, photo and signature and, if not in English or French, is accompanied by a professionally translated version
  • driver's license
  • Canadian military identification card
  • government-issued identification card
  • health card, if it shows your name, date of birth, photo and signature
  • provincial, territorial or federal Correctional Services identification, with or without a signature
  • Canadian citizenship card issued before February 1, 2012
  • Canadian permanent resident card with signature, issued before February 4, 2012
  • U.S. permanent resident card

If applying in person, you need to present original valid acceptable identification.

If you need a guarantor , you need to submit copies of the front and back of valid acceptable identification, each copy signed and dated by your guarantor.

How to apply if you don't have valid acceptable identification

If you don't have a valid acceptable piece of identification with your name, date of birth, photo and signature, you can submit multiple valid pieces of identification that, when combined, meet all of those requirements.

If you only have one piece of valid identification that meets some of the requirements, you can submit that piece of identification with a guarantor declaration .

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valid id for travel within canada

ID required for travel within Canada

  • Last Updated:

Oct 10th, 2018 12:12 am

  • Search this thread

Oct 8th, 2018 9:34 pm

  • Reply with quote

Oct 9th, 2018 5:29 am

Check-in Requirements: Valid government-issued identification documents including name, date of birth and gender may be required when checking in for the flight. For examples and other important information, visit the Passenger ProtectOpens in New WindowExternal site which may not meet accessibility guidelines.website. Boarding Gate Requirements: In accordance with government regulations, Air Canada must check identification at the boarding gate for all passengers who appear to be 18 years of age or older. The name on the ID must match the name used on the reservation or ticket. At the boarding gate, a passenger must present: Two (2) pieces of valid government-issued non-photo identification with matching names, as long as at least one piece also includes the date of birth and gender; or One (1) piece of valid government-issued identification with photo showing the name, date of birth and gender. Carriage will be refused if the passenger: Does not appear to be the age indicated by the date of birth on the government-issued identification

Oct 9th, 2018 8:55 am

Oct 9th, 2018 11:59 am

Oct 9th, 2018 1:24 pm

dolfan1980 wrote: ↑ To my knowledge, health cards are not valid ID, at least not in the places I've lived, so be careful not to rely on that.

Oct 9th, 2018 2:34 pm

User avatar

Oct 9th, 2018 3:04 pm

User avatar

Oct 9th, 2018 3:35 pm

Oct 9th, 2018 3:49 pm

Oct 9th, 2018 4:39 pm

Piro21 wrote: ↑ I've never seen any non-medical business that accepts health cards as ID in Canada. The airline would need to record your ID number and it's illegal to do that unless you're a healthcare provider for health cards (at least in Ontario). I'm not sure what a BCID is, but if it's closer to an Ontario photo card it should be acceptable, but as a health card probably not.

User avatar

Oct 9th, 2018 5:08 pm

Oct 10th, 2018 12:06 am

DorianhaBogelund wrote: ↑ I'm flying from Vancouver to Toronto next month, first time, and is it correct that I only need a BCID? I got the info from here: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/hom ... ments.html
Piro21 wrote: ↑ I've never seen any non-medical business that accepts health cards as ID in Canada. The airline would need to record your ID number and it's illegal to do that unless you're a healthcare provider for health cards (at least in Ontario).
ritzcrv wrote: ↑ BC Identification Card for people that don't drive Both cards can also act as border crossing cards if the applicant chooses an enhanced form, eID or eDL. They are primary forms of identification.
twotterdhc6 wrote: ↑ Can you check-in at an automated kiosk without a passport? I normally just scan my passport, and the machine pulls up all the info and spits out a boarding pass. I rarely fly domestically, so just curious.

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Still Haven't Got Your Real ID? Here's the Deadline to Have It When Flying

Domestic flights will require a Real ID or a passport to fly. Here's what you need to know.

valid id for travel within canada

In 2022, the Department of Homeland Security extended the deadline for enforcing the Real ID Act again to give residents more time to obtain a compliant license or identification.

The deadline for getting a Real ID has been postponed several times in the past few years, with the first slated deadline for 2020. After multiple extensions, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the deadline has finally been set for May 7, 2025 . That means you have just over one year to schedule an appointment to get a Real ID-compliant license or identification card.

The  Real ID Act , which enforces consistent and secure standards for identification used in air travel and entering federal facilities, was passed in 2007. Once it's in place, US residents over 18 will need to present a Real ID-enhanced driver's license or another federally approved identification -- like a passport -- to fly domestically.

Here's everything you need to know about Real ID, including where to apply, what you'll need to bring and what happens if you don't have one after the 2025 deadline. For more on travel regulations, find out how to renew your passport online  and the  steps to take if your flight is delayed or canceled .

What is Real ID?

Real ID enhanced California driver's license

Real IDs won't be required at airport security until 2025.

Essentially, Real ID is an enhanced version of your standard state driver's license or identification card, intended to help authorities crack down on terrorism and identity fraud.

Today, all 50 states and the District of Columbia are complying with Real ID standards, DHS said. If you recently renewed your driver's license it's likely already compliant. If it's been a few years, you'll probably have to get it updated.

Stars on the Real ID

Real ID-approved licenses will have one of these stars in the upper-right corner.

You can tell by looking at your license: If there is a gold, black or white star in the upper-right corner, you have a Real ID. (There are some minor variations -- California places a white star over the state's bear logo, while Maine puts it in an outline of the state.)

What do I need to get a Real ID card?

Real ID sample

An example of a driver's license with a Real ID logo.

Whatever state agency issued your driver's license is responsible for distributing Real IDs. The paperwork required will vary but typically it includes proof of identity and status as a US resident or citizen, proof of your Social Security number and multiple proofs of your current address. Originals or hard copies of documentation -- birth certificate, Social Security card, US passport -- are required, with photocopies and screenshots not accepted. Check your state's driver's licensing agency website for more specifics.

After you apply, you should receive a temporary paper ID until your Real ID-compliant license arrives in the mail about three or four weeks later.

With a few exceptions, the cost of getting a Real ID-compliant license is the same as renewing your license or non-driving identification card. 

What happens once the Real ID Act is enforced? 

Beginning in May 2025 -- unless the deadline is extended again -- federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration will only accept Real ID-approved licenses and identification cards "for purposes of accessing federal facilities," according to DHS. 

That includes airport security checkpoints.

Without one, US adults will have to show a valid passport, even to fly domestically, or one of these other forms of ID :

  • US Department of Defense ID
  • Permanent resident card
  • Border crossing card
  • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
  • Enhanced Driver's License , issued by  Michigan ,  Minnesota ,  New York ,  Vermont  and  Washington state  

Not having a Real ID-compliant license will not affect other uses of a driver's license, including verifying an individual's ability to operate a vehicle or purchase alcohol, firearms or tobacco.

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Updated travel information for Mexican citizens coming to Canada

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.

February 29, 2024, 8:30 a.m. – Ottawa – Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.

As of February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern time, Mexican citizens who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years and are travelling by air on a Mexican passport will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). With the high number of Mexican citizens currently holding US visas, the majority will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada. Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa. This responds to an increase in asylum claims made by Mexican citizens that are refused, withdrawn or abandoned. It is an important step to preserve mobility for hundreds of thousands of Mexican citizens, while also ensuring the sound management of our immigration and asylum systems.

The application process for Mexican citizens seeking a work or study permit will not change. Mexican citizens who want to work in Canada will continue to have access to a wide number of existing labour pathways, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program.

Canada supports ongoing travel, tourism and business with Mexico. We will continue to work with the Government of Mexico to strengthen our regular pathways to immigration, and with our provincial and territorial counterparts to support a system of managed migration as well as to support those in need of protection. Canada is expanding its network of visa application centres in Mexico to better serve these clients. Today’s action will relieve pressure on Canada’s borders, immigration system, housing and social services, while preserving mobility for Mexican citizens who want to come to Canada.

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is a vital example of the mutually beneficial migration that we seek to promote regionally and globally. Canada is ready to work with Mexico to build on this program, through the modernization of a new SAWP bilateral agreement, to offer Mexican workers new opportunities, through the incorporation of year-round primary agriculture and seasonal fish, seafood and primary food processing into the program. This will benefit workers and businesses on both sides of the Canada–Mexico relationship.

Canada is continuously monitoring the impacts of its visa policies for both visa-exempt and visa-required countries, as well as asylum claim trends. These challenges are not limited to one country. Any adjustment to Canada’s travel requirements are made to preserve the integrity and sustainability of our asylum and immigration systems.

More information about these changes, including for people in transit or with upcoming flights, is available on IRCC’s website .

“Mexico is an important partner to Canada. We will continue to welcome Mexican temporary workers, students, visitors and immigrants who bring diverse skills and important contributions to our economy and communities. We strive for balance between the movement of people between our two great countries, and the need to relieve pressure on our immigration system so we can provide protection to those who need it the most.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Asylum claims made by Mexican citizens reached a record high in 2023 at a time when Canada’s asylum system, housing and social services were already under significant pressure. The majority of these claims (approximately 60%) were either rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, or withdrawn or abandoned by the applicant.

In 2023 alone, asylum claims from Mexican citizens accounted for 17% of all claims made that year from all nationalities around the world. The country’s asylum claim rate has risen significantly since the visa was first lifted in 2016 (from 260 claims in 2016 to 23,995 claims in 2023). 

All eTAs issued to Mexican passports before 11:30 p.m. Eastern time on February 29, 2024, will no longer be valid—except for eTAs linked to Mexican passports with a valid Canadian work or study permit. Mexican citizens travelling to Canada without a valid work or study permit will need to apply for a visitor visa or reapply for a new eTA —if they are eligible.

Mexican citizens holding a valid work or study permit can still travel by air to Canada with their existing eTA as long as it remains valid, and they can continue to study or work in Canada based on the validity and conditions of their permit. Mexican visitors who are already in Canada on an eTA can stay for as long as they are authorized (up to six months from the date they arrive in Canada). However, if they plan to leave Canada and wish to return, they must have the proper travel documents (visa or new eTA). 

Most approved visa applicants receive multiple-entry visas, which allow them to visit Canada as many times as they want, for up to 10 years, or until their passport expires.

The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need in order to travel to or transit through Canada by air. IRCC first began expanding its eTA program to eligible citizens from visa-required countries in 2017. Mexico will now be among 15 countries whose citizens can to fly to Canada on an eTA, instead of a visa, if they meet certain requirements .

Related products

  • Link to News Release in Spanish

Contacts for media only:

Bahoz Dara Aziz Press Secretary Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Branch Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

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IMAGES

  1. What Is National Identity Document In Canada Visa Application?

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  2. Documents used as official IDs in Canada

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  3. Passport Requirements for Driving to Canada

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  6. What Is National Identity Document In Canada Visa Application?

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COMMENTS

  1. Pre-boarding Identification Requirements

    Bring one identification document issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government that includes your: If you don't have an identification document that includes your photo, full name and date of birth: Show two pieces of identification issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government that show your name.

  2. Travel and identification documents for entering Canada

    Canadian birth certificate. permanent residence card. citizenship card. Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or valid Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card. If you do not have a passport, and are returning to Canada, the following documents can denote identity and citizenship: NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen, when entering ...

  3. Air Canada

    One (1) piece of valid (not expired) identification with photo issued by a government authority within Canada* showing the name and date of birth; or; Two (2) pieces of valid (not expired) non-photo identification issued by a government authority within Canada*. The names on the two pieces of ID must match and one must also include the date of ...

  4. Documents Needed for Travel

    one piece of valid identification issued by a government authority with your photo, full name, date of birth and gender such as: a passport issued by your country of citizenship or nationality or. a NEXUS card or. any document referred to in subsection 50 (1) or 52 (1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

  5. Traveller entry requirements

    Travel and identification documents for entering Canada. Acceptable documents, establishing your personal identity, your citizenship and other important information. Find out if you can enter Canada. Visas, Electronic Travel Authorizations and other documentation you may need to enter or transit through Canada. Customs.

  6. Entering Canada

    Step 1. Pre-arrival: Use Advance Declaration or complete a Declaration Card. If you're arriving by air at one of Canada's participating international airports, you can save time at the border. Submit your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada.

  7. I am an American citizen. What do I need to enter Canada?

    What do I need to enter Canada? American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

  8. You can use your Global Entry card as a Real ID

    Global Entry card. Global Entry cards meet all the requirements for a Real ID, so if you don't want to spend the time getting a new state ID and have Global Entry, you're in the clear. The membership costs $100 and is valid for five years. However, many travel rewards cards credit cardholders for the application fee so be sure to take advantage ...

  9. Valid passports and other travel documents needed to come to Canada

    Documents we don't accept (unreliable travel documents) The following documents are considered unreliable and are not valid for travel to Canada: any passport issued by Somalia. non-machine readable passports issued by the Czech Republic. temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa. provisional passports issued by Venezuela.

  10. ID Copy Requirements

    ID Copy Requirements. Copies must: Be "acceptable" for air travel to, from and/or within Canada. Be valid for at least six (6) months after the application submission date. Be a legible colour copy of the front and back of your ID. For passports, provide copies of the biometric, signature and the middle binding pages. (see examples below)

  11. Do I need a CTN?

    Make sure to have your travel identification and ticket numbers ready. Apply for a Canadian Travel Number. Applying for a CTN is free and voluntary. A CTN is not mandatory for travel, and is used only as an additional piece of information to help prevent SATA-related delays when traveling by air to, from and/or within Canada.

  12. Documents You Need to Cross the Border

    The passport card looks similar to a driver's license. Like passports, they are issued by the U.S. Department of State and are valid for 10 years. This card lets you travel between by land or sea between the US, Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, but it is not valid for travel by air or to any other international location.

  13. ID requirements

    Identification required*. Must be presented during boarding at the gate and the name on the ID must match the name on the boarding pass. Adults 18 years of age or older. One piece of valid (not expired) government-issued 1 photo ID that includes name, and date of birth, excluding fishing, hunting, or boating license. 1.

  14. Identification requirements for travel. Learn more

    Travel within Canada. To board a flight within Canada, all passengers who appear to be 18 years of age or older are required to present: one piece of valid Canadian government-issued identification that includes a photograph and the passenger's full name and date of birth; or. two pieces of valid Canadian-government-issued identification ...

  15. What is considered valid acceptable identification

    Which forms of valid identification are acceptable. Valid acceptable identification includes: Secure Certificate of Indian Status (secure status card) the secure status card is acceptable if you were an adult (16 or older) when you last applied for it or are using it to apply on behalf of a child (15 or younger) or dependent adult.

  16. Using Canada's COVID-19 proof of vaccination for travel

    The Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination offers multiple benefits and uses, which includes meeting Canada's new traveller vaccine requirements. Effective October 30, 2021, all travellers 12 years of age and older departing from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will be required to be fully ...

  17. ID required for travel within Canada

    Boarding Gate Requirements: In accordance with government regulations, Air Canada must check identification at the boarding gate for all passengers who appear to be 18 years of age or older. The name on the ID must match the name used on the reservation or ticket. At the boarding gate, a passenger must present: Two (2) pieces of valid ...

  18. Identification Requirements for Children and Infants

    The Government of Canada External site which may not meet accessibility guidelines strongly recommends that if a person younger than 18 is travelling internationally alone or with only one parent or another adult, they have their parents' consent for such travel. A notarized letter of consent to travel is proof of such consent. This is not an airline requirement.

  19. Flair Airlines

    All Flair passengers are required to provide government issued identification when travelling, even when travelling domestically within Canada. Passenger identification must **EXACTLY** match your ticket and boarding pass for name and birth date. Per the Secure Air Travel Regulations, travellers are required to present one valid photo ...

  20. Travel documents for children

    Canadian children need a Canadian passport when travelling outside Canada. They may also need the following documents: Consent letter that confirms the child has permission to travel outside Canada (for example, when taking a trip alone or with only 1 parent or guardian) Provincial birth certificate. If your child needs a Canadian citizenship ...

  21. Pre-boarding Identification Requirements

    Pre-boarding identification requirements On this page. Domestic air travel ; International air travel; Canadian travel number; Bring the right identification to the airport to help with a quick identity verification and check-in process. Remember that the name on your identification must match the name on your airline ticket and boarding pass.

  22. Still Haven't Got Your Real ID? Here's the Deadline to Have It When

    The Real ID Act, which enforces consistent and secure standards for identification used in air travel and entering federal facilities, was passed in 2007. Once it's in place, US residents over 18 ...

  23. Updated travel information for Mexican citizens coming to Canada

    Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world's most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our ...

  24. Pre-boarding Identification Requirements

    Domestic air travel ; International air travel; Canadian travel number; Bring the right identification to the airport to help with a quick identity verification and check-in process. Remember that the name on your identification must match the name on your airline ticket and boarding pass. Domestic air travel If you have Canadian identification

  25. Canada to Reimpose Visa Rules to Deter Mexican Asylum-Seekers

    Mexican citizens will need a visa to come to Canada, or to obtain a valid electronic travel authorization if they hold a US travel visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years.