the CanadaVisa Team - 18 July, 2015
Beginning January 23, 2007, Canadians travelling to and from the United States by air will require a passport. While the rule will apply to those who cross the border by land in the future, this regulation will not take effect until at least 2008.
Until now Canadians and American travellers between the two countries were able to enter with photo identification and any proof of citizenship, for example a driver's license and a birth certificate. As the two countries share the longest stretch of border in the world The new requirements are part of a security measure by the United States to require passports for all international travel.
Businesses on both sides of the border have expressed concerns about the possible impacts on tourism. Canadians make over 3 million trips (including same-day crossings) per month to the United States, while the figure is just over 2 million for Americans headed to Canada. However currently only just over 30 percent of Americans and approximately 40 percent of Canadians hold valid passports.
As for Canadians currently in the United States without the proper documentation, the United States government has assured that no one will be left stranded, though they may face delays. Tens of thousands of Canadians, mostly senior citizens, spend their winters in Florida. According to an association of these "snowbirds" most drive down South, however should they need to fly home in the case of emergency, arrangements will be made for their return.
