The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. law that requires all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere. When entering the United States by land or water, Canadian citizens are required to present one of the following valid documents: a passport, a NEXUS card, a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card or an enhanced driver's licence/enhanced identification card or a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (when this certificate is available and approved by the United States). Canadian citizens flying to the United States must present a valid passport to confirm their citizenship and identity. A NEXUS card is also acceptable when using a self-serve kiosk located in the pre-clearance area at designated Canadian airports. The Government of Canada continues to recommend that Canadian citizens carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits abroad, including visits to the United States. A passport is the only universally-accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada. Members of the NEXUS program are still required to carry appropriate documentation when travelling into Canada by air in addition to their NEXUS card.

Passport Applications are available in most Canada Post offices, at any Sevice Canada location and online through the Government's Passport Canada website (www.passportcanada.gc.ca).

For your convenience, links to passport applications are located below.

For Canadian citizens residing in Canada:

• If you are 16 or over and do not currently have a valid passport, download the "Adult General Passport Application".
• If you are 16 or over and you hold a valid passport but need to renew it, download the "Adult Simplified Renewal Passport Application".
• If you are under 16 years of age, you will need the "Child General Passport Application".

If you are a Canadian citizen living abroad or a non-Canadian living in Canada, you can download passport applications by clicking here.

After you fill out your application form, you will need to obtain passport photos which you can have done at local photo shops or most large department stores.

If you are using the Adult General Passport Application, you will need to include proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate or citizenship certificate), and also provide at least one valid government-issued ID with your name and signature. If you are submitting a copy of this ID, both sides must be submitted and signed and dated by a guarantor. A guarantor must be a Canadian citizen 18 years of age or over and must hold a Canadian passport that is valid or has been expired for no more than one year on the day you submit your application.

For those who are using the Simplified Renewal Application, you will need to include your old passport with the application. Your old passport must not be expired more than one year. You do not need to provide ID, but you will need to have new date-stamped passport photos. No guarantor signature is required.