Rider's Guide
proper identification for border crossing
Passengers traveling on Amtrak Cascades across the U.S./Canada border are subject to inspection by Canadian and American law enforcement officials.
When entering the United States, travelers must inform U.S.
Border inspectors of all fruits, vegetables, plants, plant products,
live animals, meats and animal products, regardless of whether they are allowed. read Bringing Agriculture Products to the United States from Canada (pdf 80kb) for more information.
Effective June 1, 2009, the only acceptable documents to cross the U.S./Canada border by land or sea are:
U.S. Citizens 16 and Over:
- Passport
- Passport card
- Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
- Enhanced driver's license
- Merchant Mariner document
- Military ID combined with a copy of military orders
- Form I-872, American Indian Card
- Amish and Mennonite Old Order only:
- Copy of birth certificate, and
- Signed copy of IRS form 4029, application for exemption from Social Security and Medicare taxes and waiver of benefits.
Canadian Citizens 16 and Over:
- Passport
- Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
- Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
- Enhanced driver's license
U.S. and Canadian Citizens Under 16:
(Under 19 if traveling with an organized group such as a school trip)
- One of the above documents, or
- Birth certificate (copy; certified preferred), or
- U.S. citizen children only: consular report of birth abroad, or naturalization certificate
- Canadian citizen children only: Canadian citizenship certificate card
- Amtrak policy does not allow children 14 and under to travel unaccompanied into Canada, regardless of ID or notarized letter.
Citizens of Other Countries
Citizens of all other countries who are permanent residents of the United States:
- Form I-551, permanent resident card. A foreign passport may also be presented, but the form I-551 is required.
- Citizens of all other countries who are not permanent residents of the United States:
- Passport (with visa, if required)
- Re-entry permit
- Refugee permit
Documents No Longer Accepted:
Effective June 1, 2009, the following will no longer be accepted from travelers 16 and over:
- Regular driver's license and birth certificate or U.S. consular report of birth abroad
- Birth certificate alone (ages 16, 17, 18 — unless in an travel group such as a school tour)
- Naturalization certificate
- Canadian citizenship certificate
- Canadian permanent resident card
- Anything else not mentioned above
For further information, contact the appropriate U.S. or Canadian government offices prior to travel:
Canadian Resources:
www.canadainternational.gc.ca | 1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232)
United States Resources:
www.travel.state.gov | 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636)
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
pre-boarding
- Arrive early—it's a good idea to arrive 30 minutes before your train is due to depart especially if you are checking baggage.
- Check in at the counter to arrange for pre-boarding if you need assistance with wheelchair access, Business Class upgrade, checked baggage, or bicycles.
safety and security Video
pre-trip checklist
If you've never traveled on Amtrak Cascades, or it's been a while since you have, take note of the following information before you leave for the station:
Travel Documents
Be sure you have all travel-related documents together before you leave for the train station. Be sure to bring your tickets and identification.
Health and Medical Precautions
If you or someone in your party takes medication, or has special health or medical needs, please contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL for more information.
Baggage
Carry-on baggage is limited to two pieces per passenger (with few exceptions). Checked baggage service is available only at certain train stations. Be sure you understand our baggage guidelines before leaving for the station.
Seating
On most Amtrak Cascades trains, seating is on a first-come, first served basis. Once onboard, the conductor may assign seats. Learn more about our seating accommodations.
Make Your Trip More Enjoyable
Don't forget to bring along those personal items that will help you get the most out of your trip. Our seasoned riders recommend the following:
- Laptop, smartphone, or other Wi-Fi enabled device
- Deck of cards
- Travel games, board games
- Personal CD or DVD player (with headphones)
- Cell phone
- Camera, video camera
- Binoculars
- A pillow and blanket
- Comfortable footwear
- Crayons and coloring books
- Crossword puzzles
- Book or magazine
- A travel journal or notebook
- Maps (to follow along during your journey)
- Sunglasses
- Hand towelettes