US passport to Canada
US citizens don't need an eTA or a visa to visit Canada. Bring your US passport.
The rules
- What you need
- No visa
- How long you can stay
- Usually up to 6 months per visit. The border officer decides and may give you more or less time. Apply for a visitor record from inside Canada.
- Your passport
- Flying: a valid US passport (NEXUS members can use their card at some airports). By land or sea a passport is best, but a US passport card, enhanced driver's licence or birth certificate with photo ID is also accepted.
- Arrival card
- Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN (optional). Optional. If you're flying into one of 10 big Canadian airports, you can make your customs and immigration declaration in the ArriveCAN app up to 72 hours before your flight. It makes the kiosk or eGate faster when you land. Official site
Quick answers
Do US citizens need a visa for Canada?
No. US citizens don't need an eTA or a visa to visit Canada. Bring your US passport.
How long can US citizens stay in Canada?
Usually up to 6 months per visit. The border officer decides and may give you more or less time. Apply for a visitor record from inside Canada.
How long does my passport need to be valid for Canada?
Flying: a valid US passport (NEXUS members can use their card at some airports). By land or sea a passport is best, but a US passport card, enhanced driver's licence or birth certificate with photo ID is also accepted.
Things that could change this
- Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime in any country, including drink-driving or drug-driving?If yes: You may not be allowed into CanadaEven a minor offence such as impaired driving can make you inadmissible. If enough time has passed, you may count as rehabilitated. If not, apply for rehabilitation, at least 5 years after your sentence ended (it can take over a year), or for a temporary resident permit before you travel.
- Is a child under 18 travelling with only one parent, or without their parents?If yes: Carry a consent letter for your childIf you're travelling with a child under 18 and the other parent or guardian isn't with you, or you're not the child's parent or guardian, carry a consent letter. It must give the parents' or guardians' full names, addresses and phone numbers. Having it notarised helps avoid delays. Bring copies of any custody papers too.
Good to know
Don't bring cannabis. It's illegal to take cannabis, including CBD products, across the Canadian border without special permission from Health Canada, even if it's legal where you're coming from. If you have any with you, you must declare it.
Checked 26 October 2026 against Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Canada Border Services Agency and US Embassy and Consulates in Canada.
See the 7 official sources
- Find out about eTAs and if you can apply (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
- Entry requirements by country or territory (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
- Travel documents for entering Canada (Canada Border Services Agency)
- eTA: what to do after you apply (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
- Extend your stay in Canada as a visitor (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
- ArriveCAN: Advance Declaration (Canada Border Services Agency)
- U.S. citizens visiting Canada (US Embassy and Consulates in Canada (US Department of State))