Visitors from the US who are not American citizens, but are Permanent residents of the United States (anyone who has a Green Card) do not needed to carry a passport or travel documents to enter Canada from the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.Temporary residents of the United States (anyone who carries a Temporary Resident Card, Form 1-688, or Employment Authorization Card, 1-688A or 1-688B) must carry a passport and may also require a visa depending on their country of citizenship.

Citizens of countries,other than United States of America:, who wish to enter Canada must also carry a passport and may require a visa, which they should obtain from a Canadian embassy or consulate outside Canada before attempting to enter the country.For complete listing of countries, the citizens of which would require a visa to enter Canada;Meeting the Criteria about obtaining a Canadian Visa; a complete listing and contacts of embassies, consulates and missions around the globe, visit : http://www.ci.gc.ca/english/visit/index.html

There are a number of details to be kept in mind by the Citizens of United States of America, while crossing over into Canada. American Citizens may be asked to prove their citizenship when they visit Canada, so should have acceptable documents with them. A US Passport is by far the best proof of citizenship. If you do not have a Passport, a US Birth certificate or naturalization papers may be accepted. Sometimes, other types of identification such as medical cards or a credit card may suffice, if they are accompanied by an official photo identification card such as a driver's license.In rare cases immigration officials may prevent the entry of visitors who appear to pose a health risk, those whom they doubt will be able to support themselves and their dependents during their visit, or those whose willingness and means to return to the US or some other country following their stay in Canada they question.

To be admissible to Canada, visitors must not have a criminal record. This includes any convictions for driving while intoxicated.

While it is rare for Americans visiting Canada to be challenged on any of these grounds, those with doubts about their admissibility into Canada should contact the Canadian embassy or the nearest consulate and ask to speak to an immigration officer.

American residents who spend more than 48 hours in Canada are allowed to take up to US$400 worth of goods purchased in Canada back into the US You may take advantage of this exemption only once every 30 days. (If you have already used this exemption, the US$200 exemption applies.) Members of a single family, traveling together and living in the same residence, are allowed to pool their exemptions to cover their combined purchases.

Up to 100 cigars, one litre (35.2 American fluid ounces) of alcoholic beverages (if you are older than 21 years of age ) and one carton of 200 cigarettes may be included within your exemption. Please note that Cuban cigars, although commonly available in Canada, may not be brought into the United States.

If you visit Canada for less than 48 hours, or if you have already claimed a US$400 exemption in the previous days, you are allowed to take goods purchased in Canada worth up to US$200 back into the US Up to 10 non-Cuban cigars, 150 milliliters (5.1 American fluid ounces) of alcoholic beverages and 50 cigarettes may be included as part of your exemption.

Duty will be charged on any goods worth more than the exemptions described above. Under the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement, duty on the first US$1400 worth of goods ( including the US$400 exemption ) is being phased out. This agreement applies only to goods that are stamped either "Made in Canada" or "Made in the USA". In 1997 the rate of duty was 1%. The duty itself was scheduled to be eliminated by January 1, 1998.

Any goods worth more than the US$1400 limit will be charged duty at various rates.

Goods not covered by the Free Trade Agreement will continue to have duty charged against them at various rates. For current information on duty rates and levels, please contact US Customs before you leave home.