Canada and United States residents should carry a valid passport or in the absence of a passport a driver's license or other picture identification issued by a federal, state, provincial, county, territory, or municipal authority together with a birth certificate.

To walk across the Canadian border from the United States, you must possess valid identification and legal entry documents. For U.S. citizens, the most common requirement is a valid U.S. Passport, a Passport Card, or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). While a standard driver's license and birth certificate were sufficient in the past, post-9/11 security laws like the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) now require more secure, government-issued documents. If you are a permanent resident, you will need your Green Card. Furthermore, you must be prepared to answer questions from a Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer regarding the purpose of your visit, your destination, and whether you are carrying any restricted items, such as firearms, large amounts of cash, or certain foods. Walking across is only permitted at designated legal land crossings (like the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls or the Peace Arch in Washington state); attempting to cross through woods or fields is illegal. As of 2026, health-related apps like ArriveCAN are no longer mandatory but can be used for advance customs declarations to speed up the process.