Your travel documents serve as your ticket to cross borders, so make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your trip dates and gather all needed medical cards before you pack your bags.
Passports and visas
A passport serves as your most important travel document for trips between the US and Canada. Canadian citizens must carry valid Canadian passports for re-entry into their home country, even after short visits to the US.
This rule applies strictly to dual Canadian citizens who need Canadian passports to board flights back to Canada. The Canadian government no longer accepts other forms of identification at air borders under current border protection regulations.
For permanent residents of Canada, a Permanent Resident Card proves essential for return travel. US citizens visiting Canada may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying, though this requirement doesn’t apply at land border crossings.
Check if your travel plans require additional documentation like visas based on your citizenship status, length of stay, and purpose of visit. Border agents may deny entry without proper travel documents, so verify all requirements before your trip.
Medical and emergency information
Travelers should make two copies of all medical documents before crossing borders. Your health insurance might not cover care in foreign countries, so buying travel insurance is vital.
This coverage helps pay for medical costs and emergency services if you get sick or hurt abroad. Pack enough medication for your trip plus extra doses in case of delays. Some medicines need a doctor’s note in English to pass through customs legally.
U.S. visitors to Canada can dial 911 for emergencies, just like at home. Smart travelers also sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which sends safety alerts and helps the embassy find you during crises.
Flu shots and routine vaccinations should be current before travel, especially during flu season when infectious diseases spread more easily.
Understand Entry Requirements
Border rules between the U.S. and Canada change often, so check the latest entry rules and visa needs before your trip to avoid delays at customs.
U.S. and Canada border rules
U.S. citizens can visit Canada as tourists for up to 180 days without a visa. This visa-free travel makes weekend trips and longer vacations simple for Americans. The entry process still requires proper documentation and approval from border officials who follow the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
People with criminal records may face entry denial at Canadian borders. Plan ahead since WiFi is not available at land border crossings’download any needed documents before arrival.
Border officials have the final say on who enters the country, regardless of having proper travel documents. The Canada Border Services Agency enforces these rules strictly to maintain security while welcoming legitimate travelers.
eTA and visa-free entry
Many travelers enjoy visa-free entry between the U.S. and Canada through programs like the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (eTA). Canadian visitors need an eTA to fly into Canada, which costs about $7 CAD and remains valid for five years.
The application process moves quickly, with most approvals coming within 24 hours. Each person in your travel group needs their own eTA, even children. This travel permit allows multiple entries into Canada with stays up to 180 days per visit.
U.S. citizens can enter Canada without an eTA when arriving by land or sea, but they still need a valid passport. The Visa Waiver Program offers similar benefits for Canadian citizens visiting the United States.
Permanent residents of either country should carry their resident cards when crossing borders. Your travel documents must remain valid throughout your trip to avoid problems at border control.
Currency exchange rates and payment options vary between locations, so plan accordingly before your trip.
Currency and Tipping Tips
Smart money moves can make or break your trip to the US or Canada, from knowing where to find the best ATM rates to mastering the expected tips for service workers in each country – read on to save cash and avoid awkward payment situations.
Cash and currency exchange
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD) as its official currency. You’ll need to exchange your money before making purchases. Canadian banknotes come in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations, while coins include the $2 “toonie,” $1 “loonie,” quarters (25¢), dimes (10¢), and nickels (5¢).
Most shops and restaurants accept major credit cards like Mastercard, but carrying some cash helps at small businesses. ATMs offer a practical way to get Canadian dollars, though fees range from $2 CAD to $5 CAD per transaction.
Bank cards and debit cards work at most Canadian ATMs, but inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid card blocks. The next section covers important tipping customs you should know before dining out or using services in Canada.
General tipping guidelines
Tipping practices differ across North America, so knowing the basics helps you budget properly. In U.S. and Canadian restaurants, plan to leave 15-20% of your bill as a tip, or up to 25% for outstanding service.
Bar staff typically receive $1 per drink or 15-20% of your total tab. For transportation, taxi and ride-share drivers expect 10-15% gratuity. Hotel staff deserve recognition too – porters should get $1-2 per bag they handle, while housekeeping staff appreciate $2-5 daily.
Most service providers like tour guides, hairstylists, and spa workers expect tips around 15-20%.
Cash works best for tipping, though many places now accept card payment options for gratuities. Visitors from countries where tipping isn’t common might find this custom surprising, but service workers in the U.S. and Canada often earn lower base wages with tips making up a significant portion of their income.
Keep small bills handy in your wallet for easy tipping. This practice shows respect for local customs and helps support service industry workers during your travels.
Driving and Car Rentals
Driving across the US and Canada offers a great way to see both countries, but you need to know about valid licenses, auto insurance, and local traffic rules like speed limits and school bus laws ‘ read on to learn how to avoid common road trip problems and save money on car rentals.
Valid driving licenses
British driving licenses work fine for U.S. and Canadian road trips, but smart travelers also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). This permit costs just £5.50 and serves as an official translation of your license in multiple languages.
Many car rental companies require both your original license and an IDP before they’ll hand over the keys. The IDP proves especially useful if you plan to drive through areas where English isn’t widely spoken.
Car rental companies demand a valid credit card for the security deposit when you pick up your vehicle. Your auto insurance from home might not cover you abroad, so check your policy before you travel.
The visa waiver program allows eligible visitors to drive with their home country licenses, but rules vary by state and province. Traffic laws differ between the U.S. and Canada, with unique speed limits and right of way practices you should learn before your trip.
Traffic rules and refueling tips
U.S. and Canadian drivers follow the same basic road rules. Both countries require driving on the right side of the road. Speed limits vary slightly with highways ranging from 90-110 km/h and urban areas typically set at 50 km/h.
You can make right turns at red lights after coming to a full stop, unless signs state otherwise. This rule saves time but demands caution at busy intersections. The NEXUS card can speed up border crossings for frequent travelers between these countries.
Gas stations operate differently than you might expect. Fuel is measured in liters, not gallons, which affects price displays at petrol pumps. Common fuel grades include regular (87 octane), mid-grade (89 octane), and premium (91-94 octane).
Many stations require payment before pumping gas. Your valid driver’s license works in both countries, but check if your automobile insurance covers international travel. Health and safety concerns like the flu or other contagious illnesses might affect your travel plans, so staying informed about travel advisories is essential.
Health and Safety Essentials
Staying healthy during travel means knowing how to access medical care and get travel health insurance that covers flu, hepatitis B, and other illnesses that might spread through droplets from infected people.
Read on to learn key safety tips that protect you from avian influenza and other health risks while visiting the US or Canada.
Accessing medical care
U.S. health care services offer excellent quality but come with high costs. Travel health insurance provides vital protection against these expenses. Your policy should cover doctor visits, hospital stays, and medical transport back home if needed.
Many travelers face bills of thousands of dollars without proper coverage. Keep your insurance details and emergency contacts in your wallet or phone for quick access.
Medical facilities in both countries accept major credit cards, but you might need cash for smaller clinics. Pharmacies can fill most prescriptions, though some medications require a local doctor’s approval.
For minor issues like seasonal influenza or flu-like symptoms, drugstores offer over-the-counter remedies. Dial 911 in emergencies to reach ambulance services fast. Rural areas may have limited medical options, so plan accordingly if you have existing health conditions.
Staying secure during your trip
Safety matters during travel, so take basic precautions to protect yourself. Canada boasts a low crime rate, but you should still guard your valuables in public places. Keep your travel documents secure and make digital copies as backups.
Wildlife poses real risks in natural areas – maintain safe distances from animals and follow park ranger instructions strictly. Weather hazards like snowstorms and avalanches require attention to local travel advisories before heading outdoors.
Pack essential safety items including bug spray to prevent insect-borne illnesses like Zika virus and dengue fever. Your valid passport and proof of identity should stay with you but separate from other valuables.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires specific documentation for border crossings. Consider travel health insurance that covers emergency medical care, as treatment costs can be substantial without proper coverage.
Final Travel Preparation Tips
Smart planning before your trip can save you time and stress at the border, so book your flights early, secure lodging that fits your budget, and call your bank to avoid card blocks while you travel abroad – click to learn more vital steps for a smooth US-Canadian visit.
Booking flights and accommodations
Book your flights only after you get your eTA approval for Canada. Many travelers make the mistake of purchasing tickets first, which can lead to problems if their travel authorization faces delays.
Canadian domestic flights cost more than many visitors expect, so plan your trip around specific regions rather than trying to see the whole country. Travel specialists can help you find deals on both flights and places to stay.
Most hotels accept U.S. credit cards, but always notify your card issuer about your travel plans to avoid security blocks. For longer stays, vacation rentals offer better value and often include kitchen facilities to save on dining costs.
Notifying your credit card issuer
Tell your bank about your travel plans before you leave home. Many credit card companies flag foreign charges as suspicious activity and might block your card. You can prevent this hassle by making a quick call to your card issuer or updating your travel plans through their mobile app.
Your updated contact information helps the issuer reach you if they spot unusual charges during your trip. Most major banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Capital One offer simple online forms to submit travel notices.
This step proves vital for dual nationals who might use their cards across multiple countries. The process takes just minutes but can save you from standing at a petrol station with a declined card.
Conclusion
Smart travel starts with proper papers and clear plans. Your passport must be valid for at least six months past your trip dates to avoid border issues. U.S. visitors need an eTA for Canada, while Canadians need ESTA approval for the States.
Money matters differ between countries – carry some cash and know that tipping runs 15-20% in both nations. Driving across either country opens up amazing views, but check if you need an International Driving Permit first.
Health protection matters too – get travel insurance and needed shots like flu and MMR vaccines before you go. Both countries offer world-class medical care, but costs can shock unprepared visitors.
Your trip across these North American neighbors will run smoother with these practical tips in your pocket.
For those looking to explore further, discover the vibrant nightlife of the Dominican Republic here.
FAQs
1. What travel documents do I need when visiting Canada or the US?
US citizens need a valid passport to enter Canada. Canadians visiting the US should have a passport or NEXUS card. The Visa Waiver Program allows eligible visitors to enter the US with an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
2. Do I need special vaccines before traveling between the US and Canada?
Travel specialists recommend being up-to-date on routine vaccines including MMR, influenza, and hepatitis B. Neither country requires specific vaccines like yellow fever for entry, but getting vaccinated against the flu virus is wise during winter travel seasons.
3. How does the Hague Convention affect traveling with children?
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction protects children from wrongful removal across borders. When traveling with minors, carry proper documentation showing your relationship, especially if you don’t share the same last name as the child.
4. What should I know about healthcare coverage when visiting?
Purchase travel health insurance before your trip as medical costs can be high in both countries. Many prescription medications in the US require a doctor’s note, while Canada may classify some US over-the-counter medicines as prescription-only.
5. Are there language barriers I should prepare for?
English is widely spoken in both countries. Canada has two official languages – English and French – with French predominantly used in Quebec. Various indigenous languages are also spoken in certain regions of both nations.
6. What currency considerations should I keep in mind?
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CA$) while the US uses the US dollar. Notify your bank before traveling to prevent card blocks. ATMs are widely available, but some remote areas may have limited access, so carry some cash.
References
- https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents (2025-02-13)
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-checklist.html (2024-02-14)
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html
- https://cedar.wwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1128&context=bpri_publications
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/facts.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/eligibility/eta-x.html (2024-07-26)
- https://snowbirdaccidents.com/currency-exchange-tips-for-canadian-travelers/
- https://www.kayak.com/news/guide-to-tipping-when-traveling/ (2024-09-20)
- https://canadiantrainvacations.com/blog/tipping-in-canada (2025-02-10)
- https://www.jrjlaw.com/blog/2025/march/can-i-drive-in-canada-with-a-u-s-driver-s-licens/
- https://www.enterprise.com/en/help/faqs/drivers-license-requirements-us-canada.html
- https://makehomecanada.com/canadas-driving-rules-and-details-for-visitors-an-essential-guide/ (2023-08-11)
- https://www.smartrippers.com/en/united-states/driving-and-renting-a-car-in-the-united-states-our-practical-guide/
- https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states
- https://www.globalyo.com/travel-to-canada-from-the-us-tips-requirements-and-border-crossing-guide/
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/about-our-new-products/Best-Practices-for-Traveler-Safety.html
- https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/stories-histoires/2025/2025-01-22-essential-preperation-preparation-essentielle.aspx?lang=eng (2025-03-10)
- https://www.littleamerica.co.uk/andrews-tips
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-to-set-a-travel-notice/
