This checklist is informational, not legal advice. Border officers decide admission. Verify official CBP, CBSA, State Department, Travel.gc.ca, INM, embassy, and consulate pages before match travel.
U.S. citizens returning to the United States by land or sea need a WHTI-compliant document. CBP lists U.S. passport book or card, enhanced driver's license, enhanced tribal card, trusted traveler cards, and some official-travel documents. U.S. citizen children 15 and under have separate land/sea document options, but families should verify the current child rules before travel.
U.S. citizens entering Mexico by land should carry a passport book or passport card. U.S. State Department guidance says all travelers to Mexico must apply for an FMM or entry permit online or at an INM office, including travelers staying near the border area.
Canadian citizens entering the United States by land or water need WHTI-compliant proof such as a passport, trusted traveler card, enhanced driver's license or enhanced identification card where available, or Secure Certificate of Indian Status. Canada also says children 15 and under have separate land/water document options.
Canadian citizens returning to Canada should carry proper identification. CBSA says a valid Canadian passport is the only universally accepted identification document and proves right to return, though other documents may support identity and citizenship at the land border.
Mexican citizens entering the United States generally need a passport with visa or Border Crossing Card. State Department guidance says BCC applicants need a valid Mexican passport when applying, and CBP says Mexican nationals may use a BCC alone only for direct land, ferry, or pleasure-vessel entry from Mexico under BCC limits.
Anyone using SENTRI or NEXUS lanes should confirm every traveler in the vehicle has the required trusted traveler card. CBP says all passengers in a vehicle must be TTP members and present their respective cards when using dedicated SENTRI or NEXUS lanes entering the United States.
