Border crossing policies can change at anytime and without notice.  Passengers are responsible for obtaining all necessary border crossing information from the appropriate United States and Canadian government agencies.

Amtrak Cascades passengers traveling to and from Vancouver, B.C., are subject to inspections by U.S. and Canadian Immigration and Customs, and documentation of citizenship and identity are required from all persons on board. Customs and Immigration officers may delay Amtrak Cascades trains or buses if necessary to carry out their duties.

Following is general border crossing information.  Since each person's situation is unique, we encourage passengers to contact the appropriate United States or Canadian Immigration and Customs authorities for assistance.
      

Basic Documentation Requirements

Please note that these are general requirements. Your particular situation may be different.  Please contact the appropriate United States or Canadian government agency before travel to learn what documentation is required from you. 

• U.S. and Canadian citizens are strongly encouraged to carry a valid and current passport to help minimize questioning and delay. A passport is proof of both citizenship and identity.   
• A driver's license alone is NOT sufficient, and voter registration cards, baptismal certificates, etc. are not accepted as proof of citizenship. 
• Compliance with these requirements doesn’t guarantee entry into Canada or the United States . Customs and Immigration will deny entry into either country for passenger not in compliance.     

United States Citizens 

• United States Passport (strongly recommended), or    
• Naturalization Certificate, or    
• Birth certificate (original or certified) or Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States PLUS unexpired government-issued photo identification* such as a state driver's license (this documentation may subject the passenger to additional questioning at the border).  

Canadian Citizens  

• Canadian Passport (strongly recommended), or   
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, or
• Birth certificate (original or certified) or Canadian Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad PLUS unexpired government-issued photo identification* such as a provincial driver's license or provincial health insurance card (this documentation may subject the passenger to additional questioning at the border).

* Photo identification is not required for a child under 18 accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian. Proof of citizenship is still required in all cases.

Dual Citizens of the United States and Canada

Citizens of both the United States and Canada, will normally be asked to present themselves as a United States citizen when entering the United States, and as a Canadian citizen when entering Canada.

For citizens of countries other than the United States or Canada

• A passport is always required   
• Permanent residents of the United States must bring their Permanent Resident Alien Registration Card, I-551 ("green card")   
• Permanent residents of Canada must bring their Permanent Resident Card 
• Citizens of many countries also require a visa, obtained before arrival at the border  
• Additional documentation is often required  
• Fees may also apply, some must be paid at the border, in cash, in the currency of the country you are entering  
• Contact the appropriate United States or Canadian government agency for requirements that apply to your particular situation. 
   

Special Situations

Travelers under 18 years old: If not traveling with both parents, bring a notarized letter from any parent or legal guardian not present giving permission to cross the border. Include addresses and phone numbers. If one parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate will minimize questions and delay. Contact the appropriate government agency for additional information. Amtrak does not accept unaccompanied minors (age 8-11 without an accompanying adult 18 or over) for cross-border travel.  Contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL for other conditions regarding unaccompanied minors. Children ages 7 and under  can only travel with an  accompanying adult 18 or over.

Criminal convictions: If you have any misdemeanor or felony conviction -- including a drunk driving conviction -- contact the appropriate government agency before travel to determine if the other country will allow you to enter.

Medicines and prescriptions: Bring a copy of your prescription. Medicines and prescriptions must be in their original, clearly labeled containers. Contact the appropriate government agency if you have any syringes for medicine requiring injection, such as insulin.

Firearms and other weapons: These items are prohibited on board trains, whether on your person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage. If you are sending any such item separately, you need to know that both countries have significant restrictions and prohibitions.  Contact the appropriate government agency.
  

Questions?