United States entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadians don't need a visa to visit the US for tourism or business for up to 180 days. Bring your valid passport and be ready to answer a few questions at the border. This applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in the US. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by US law, but airlines may check for at least 6 months validity before boarding. | Required |
| ESTA applicationESTA: "Electronic System for Travel Authorization — required for visa waiver countries entering the US. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov ($21 USD). Approved usually within minutes, valid 2 years." Electronic System for Travel Authorization | Apply for ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before departure. The $21 USD fee covers processing and authorization. Most applications are approved within minutes, and the authorization is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.Apply for ESTA | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the US | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave the US within 180 days. A flight booking or bus/train ticket to Canada or another country works. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host address | Have a hotel reservation or the address of where you're staying ready. Officers may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. A printed booking confirmation or a digital copy on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of financial means | Carry a credit card or bank statement showing you can support yourself during your stay. US immigration rarely asks for this from Canadian visitors, but having a recent statement or cash equivalent of at least $500 USD helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your entry date. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Check your expiry date before booking flights.
Preclearance at Canadian airports
If you fly from Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, or other major Canadian airports, you clear US customs before boarding. This means you arrive in the US as a domestic passenger — no extra queue on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you queue, have your passport, return ticket, and first night accommodation ready. Keep them in a zippered pocket or your hand luggage — not in your checked bag.
2
Approach the CBP officer
At major airports like LAX, JFK, or YVR preclearance, you'll speak with a US Customs and Border Protection officer. They'll ask your purpose of visit, how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly.
3
Get your I-94 record
Most Canadians get an electronic I-94 record automatically. You can check your I-94 online later at cbp.gov/i94 to confirm your authorized stay. Keep the admission stamp in your passport.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After the officer waves you through, grab your luggage from the carousel and walk through the exit. If you have nothing to declare, use the green lane.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B-2 Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months, extendable
Validity10 years (typical for Canadians)
Cost$160 USD (approx. $215 CAD)
Allows longer stays beyond 180 days if granted; must apply at US consulate in Canada.
B-2 Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry, extendable
Validity10 years (typical for Canadians)
Cost$160 USD (approx. $215 CAD)
Same as single entry but allows multiple entries over the validity period.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityUp to 5 years (depends on program)
Cost$160 USD (approx. $215 CAD) + SEVIS fee
For full-time academic study; requires I-20 from a US school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initial
Cost$460 USD (approx. $620 CAD) + other fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$460 USD filing fee + legal fees
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace + OPT up to 3 years
$160 USD visa fee + $350 SEVIS fee
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas) + legal fees
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Leads to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa (for Canadians)
$205 USD filing fee
For Canadian citizens engaged in substantial trade between the US and Canada. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of trade volume.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)Canadians are exempt from ESTA; simply present a valid passport at the border. | Free (no ESTA required for Canadians) |
| Stay extension (Form I-539)Application fee for extending B-2 visitor status; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. $500 CAD) |
| Tourist visa (B-2) single entryFor those who need a visa (e.g., if visa-free privileges are lost). | $160 USD (approx. $215 CAD) |
| Tourist visa (B-2) multiple entrySame fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Canadians. | $160 USD (approx. $215 CAD) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and future entry bans. | Varies; up to $1,000 USD or more |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds for stay25%
No return or onward ticket20%
Suspicious travel patterns20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
No transit visa needed
Canadian citizens do not need a transit visa to change planes in the US. They may transit through US airports without a visa, but must clear US customs and immigration at the first port of entry (even for connecting flights).
Exceptions & conditions
- Canadian citizens are exempt from transit visa requirements for all US airports.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease common in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus present in most states; risk is highest from July to October.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food or unpasteurized dairy; practice food safety.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) file by mail; no walk-in service for extensions.
New York City
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for most services; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry. If it expires sooner, renew it before you travel. You can renew online or at a Passport Canada office.
No, you don't need a visa. Canadians can enter the US by land without a visa for up to 180 days. Just bring your passport and be ready to answer questions at the border.
Overstaying can get you banned from re-entering the US for up to 10 years. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension with USCIS before your 180 days are up. Extensions are not guaranteed.
Technically, you're not allowed to work for a US employer without a work visa. But checking emails or doing occasional remote work for a Canadian employer is generally tolerated. If you plan to work full-time remotely, you're pushing it — best to consult an immigration lawyer.
No. Canadians do not need an ESTA. You just show up with your passport. However, if you're flying, the airline will check your passport before boarding.
If a CBP officer denies you entry, you'll be sent back to Canada on the next flight. Common reasons: unclear purpose of visit, insufficient funds, or past overstays. You can ask for a supervisor or request a hearing, but it's rare to reverse the decision on the spot.
Yes, but you need a rabies vaccination certificate dated at least 30 days before travel. Dogs must be at least 3 months old. Check CDC guidelines for any additional requirements.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.