Identification
You do not need a passport to cross the border by land in 2008, a picture ID is still sufficient.
If you do have a valid passport we recommend bringing it since it will help facilitate crossing the border both into Canada and returning to the United States.

When crossing the border you may be asked to show proof of citizenship such a birth, voter's, or naturalization certificate or a passport. If the identification does not have a picture ID you may be asked to provide this as well. A driver's license is generally sufficient for picture ID but is not proof of citizenship by itself. Photocopies of any identification are not acceptable and may initiate more thorough investigation.

You should have at least one document from each of these categories to facilitate crossing the United States - Canada Border when entering Canada and returning to the United States.

Proof of Citizenship	Proof of Identity
-Passport -Birth Certificate	-Drivers License -Voters Certificate -Naturalization Certificate

The U.S. Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 31, 2008 for land entry both Proof of Citizenship and Proff of Identity will be required.

By June 1, 2009 for land and January 23, 2007 for air and sea entry into the US a valid passport will be required. United States citizens and legal residents of the United States do not need visas to enter Canada as visitors.
For more information here is a link to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State

There is also a U.S. Passport Card that will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.  The card may not be used to travel by air.

Children
You may be asked to produce birth certificates.
Anyone traveling with children not their own may be required to show written permission from the child's parent(s) and proper identification (birth certificate).

Other Countries
Visitors from countries other than the US require a valid passport and in some cases a visitor's visa. Visas are issued by Canadian Immigration offices, embassies and consulates.

Criminal records
Individuals with criminal records wishing to enter Canada can apply for a waiver. This should be dome a minimum of 3-4 weeks in advance of the intended visit and can take up to 6 months. It should be noted that Driving Under the Influence convictions are considered a criminal offense in Canada. Individuals with criminal records without a waiver can be refused entry. Contact the nearest port of entry Canada Immigration office for more information. See contact information below.
Persons without waivers who have only DUI's or other less serious criminal convictions and have no criminal convictions in the past 10 years may be considered rehabilitated when they reach the border but this is at the Canada Immigration officer's discretion. A "Remote Area Border Crossing Permit" may assist the Immigration officer in this determining admissibility to Canada since it requires normal background checks. This permit costs $30.00 Canadian. More information regarding the "Remote Area Border Crossing Permit" is available at the Canada Border Services Agency web site.

You may also contact Canada Border Crossing Services, they offer a free consultation.

Ph: (204) 488-6350 or 1-800-438-7020 (toll free US)
Fax: (204) 975-0394
103-B Scurfield Blvd.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3Y 1M6
E-mail: info@bordercrossing.ca
Website: bordercrossing.ca


Food
What can you bring into Canada?
Below is link to an information guide with a list of what you are allowed to bring accross the border.
Canadian Border Sevices Agency

Please be aware: Root crops (such as potatoes, onions, beets, carrots) are regulated.
At the present time Beef and Beef Products can be brought into Canada if it is intended for person consumption and is less than 5 kg (11 pounds) in total per person.

If you have any questions you may contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at the following locations.

Central ISC (Ontario)
7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.(local time)
Telephone and EDI: 1-800-835-4486 (inside Canada or U.S.)
1-416-661-3039(all other countries) Fax: 1-416-661-5767

Western ISC (Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan & British Columbia)
7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.(local time)
Telephone: 1-888-732-6222 (inside Canada or U.S.)
1-604-666-9240 (all other countries) EDI: 1-604-666-9240
Fax: 1-604-270-9247

Eastern ISC (Quebec & Atlantic) 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.(local time)
Telephone and EDI: 1-877-493-0468 (inside Canada or U.S.)
1-514-493-0468 (all other countries) Fax: 1-514-493-4103

For additional information about bringing beef in Canada, below is a link to a page specifically regarding this subject. Update to Import Restrictions - United States