Important Travel Information Before Departure
Every year, many travelers depart from Montreal by coach bus to visit destinations in the United States such as New York, Boston, Washington, Chicago, and the Southern States.
As our clients come from many different countries and backgrounds, it is very important to verify your travel documents before departure. Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality, immigration status in Canada, and passport type.
1. Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens generally need:
- A valid Canadian passport
⚠️ Recommendation:
Although some alternative documents may occasionally be accepted at land borders, we strongly recommend traveling with a valid Canadian passport to avoid problems when entering the United States or returning to Canada.
2. Canadian Permanent Residents
Permanent residents of Canada generally need:
- A valid passport from their country of citizenship
AND - A valid Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)
Depending on your nationality, you may also need:
- A valid U.S. visa
OR - An approved ESTA authorization (for eligible travelers under the Visa Waiver Program)
⚠️ Important:
A Canadian Permanent Resident Card alone does not automatically allow entry into the United States.
U.S. entry requirements also depend on your nationality.
3. International Students, Temporary Workers, and Visitors in Canada
If you are:
- an international student,
- a work permit holder,
- a visitor/tourist in Canada,
- or holding another temporary immigration status,
you generally need the following documents:
To enter the United States:
- A valid passport
- A valid U.S. visa
OR an approved ESTA authorization (if eligible)
OR an approved ESTA authorization (if eligible)
To return to Canada:
- A valid passport
- A valid Canadian visa or valid eTA (depending on your status)
- A valid study permit or work permit, if applicable
⚠️ Very Important:
Living in Canada does not automatically guarantee re-entry into Canada after your trip.
Please carefully verify the validity of all your documents before departure.
4. Travelers Eligible for ESTA
Citizens of certain countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program may travel to the United States without a visa for short tourist or business trips, but must obtain an ESTA authorization before departure.
Official list of Visa Waiver Program countries:
Official ESTA application website:
Official ESTA Application Website
⚠️ Important:
Please use only the official U.S. government website to avoid unnecessary fees charged by private websites.
5. Important Information for Chinese Passport Holders
Travelers holding a Chinese passport with a 10-year U.S. visa (B1/B2) are generally required to complete a valid EVUS enrollment before traveling to the United States.
Without a valid EVUS enrollment, boarding or entry into the United States may be refused.
Official EVUS website:
⚠️ We strongly recommend verifying your EVUS status before every trip.
6. U.S. Entry Fee (I-94)
Since October 2025, many travelers with non-Canadian passports entering the United States by land are required to pay a US$30 I-94 fee at the U.S. border.
Official I-94 Application Website
7. Check Your Passport Validity
Many countries recommend that passports remain valid:
- for the entire duration of the trip,
- or sometimes for at least 6 months after the return date.
We strongly recommend traveling with a passport that has several months of validity remaining.
8. Final Decisions Belong to Border Authorities
Entry into the United States and re-entry into Canada are always subject to decisions made by border officers.
Even with all required documents:
- entry may still be refused,
- or additional inspections may be required.
9. Important Travel Tips
Before departure:
✔ Check your passport expiration date
✔ Verify your U.S. visa or ESTA
✔ Verify your Canadian immigration documents for return
✔ Verify your EVUS enrollment if applicable
✔ Bring your original study or work permits if applicable
✔ Keep all original documents with you during the trip
✔ Prepare the I-94 fee if applicable
✔ Arrive on time at the departure point to facilitate border procedures
10. Important Agency Notice
Our travel agency can provide general travel information, but each traveler remains responsible for:
- verifying their own travel documents,
- complying with immigration requirements,
- and obtaining all necessary visas or authorizations before departure.
Entry regulations may change without notice according to U.S. and Canadian government policies.
We strongly recommend consulting official immigration websites before traveling.