New Passport Requirements for Travel to the US
Starting June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens will be required to present a valid passport, a NEXUS or Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, or an enhanced driver's license/enhanced identification card when seeking to enter the United States at its land or water crossings. Canadian citizens 15 years of age or under will only require proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a Canadian citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who are traveling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent may also present proof of Canadian citizenship alone.

The U.S. document requirements for air travel took effect in January 2007, and require Canadian citizens flying to, through or from the United States to present a valid passport or a valid NEXUS card when used at a NEXUS kiosk at participating Canadian airports or at any U.S. airport when returning to Canada. The air travel requirements apply to all Canadian citizens, regardless of age, including children.

Benefits of Having a Passport
If you don't already have a passport, now is a good time to apply for one! There are many benefits to having a passport:

• No more juggling birth certificates and driver's licenses! A passport is a single document that provides photo identification, as well as proof of citizenship.
• The convenience of not traveling with original birth certificates. You'll no longer have to worry about losing or damaging these precious documents.
• For Canadian citizens 3 years of age or older, a passport is valid for 5 years, and passports for Canadian citizens under 3 years of age are valid for 3 years.

How to Get a Passport
Please visit the Passport Canada website at http://www.ppt.gc.ca or call toll free 1-800-567-6868 for more information.