Foreign citizens who wish to stay in the United States temporarily, whether for tourism, business, study or medical purposes, must generally have a visa issued by the U.S. Department of State. To obtain a visa or more information on this topic, contact the American Embassy or American Consulate in your country of residence.

Canadian Citizens may travel between the U.S. and Canada with at least two of the following documents:

• Canadian passport
• Canadian government-issued birth certificate with government- issued photo ID
• Canadian Certificate of Naturalization, Canadian Certificate of Citizenship (laminated card) or Canadian driver's license only when traveling from the U.S. to Canada on return portion of roundtrip ticket.
• Canadian Landed Immigrants (Resident Aliens) having common nationality status of Canada may travel between the U.S. and Canada without a U.S. visa

Some countries enjoy a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with the United States. For a list of these countries, visit the US Customs website. Other nationalities not specified must have a national passport valid for six months beyond the date of entry as well as a valid U.S. visa.

By January 1, 2008, all visitors travelling to and from the United States via the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico or Canada will be required to present a valid passport or other secure, accepted travel document. Travelers should be aware that the implementation of this amendment will also affect the countries with current VWP agreements with the United States.

Children under age 18 must also have proof of citizenship. Although it is recommended, minors are not required to have photo ID. Parents traveling with children under 18 should have proof that the child is theirs, such as a birth certificate indicating at least the mother's name. Adults with infants too young to have received a birth certificate must have a notarized letter from the pediatrician or hospital of birth identifying the traveling adult by name to the infant.

Mexican Citizens Residing in Mexico and visiting the U.S. must have the following:

• Valid Mexican passport with valid U.S. entry visa or Border Crossing Card Form I-586 or Form I-186.
• Mexican minors traveling with only one parent and holding their own Mexican passport, which is imprinted or stamped 421 by the Mexican government, do not need a letter of consent from the other parent.
• Resident Aliens of Mexico may travel between the U.S. and Mexico with a national passport, including entry visa for the U.S. when required and Mexican permanent resident visa or evidence of U.S. citizenship.

Click Here for a list detailing the wait times at key northern and southern land border ports of entry. The list is posted twice daily.