Border Rules for Dual US & Canadian Citizens

• Duel citizens should carry passports from both countries.us passport image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
  
  Dual citizens who hold citizenship in both the United States and Canada must meet each country's requirements for its citizens when crossing the border between the United States and Canada and should present themselves at the border as a citizen of the country they are entering, notes the United States Embassy's Consular Services Canada website.
  
  

Entering Canada

• Dual American and Canadian citizens arriving in Canada should present proof of Canadian citizenship to the Canadian Border Services Agency. Acceptable documentation for travelers returning to Canada, regardless of arrival method, include an enhanced Canadian driver's license of identification card, Canadian citizenship card, a Certificate of Indian status, a birth certificate and government-issued photo identification and, in locations where available, a NEXUS card or a Free and Secure Trade card.
  
  Though these other forms of identification are accepted at the Canadian border, the Canadian government suggests that all citizens travel with a valid Canadian passport when traveling internationally and returning home.
  
  

Entering U.S by Air

• United States citizens, including those with dual nationalities, who return to the United States by air must hold a valid United States passport. A valid passport is the only accepted form of identification when U.S. citizens return to the country by air from an international visit.
  
  

Entering U.S. by Land or Sea

• Dual citizens who enter the United States by land or sea may show their United States passport when crossing the border, though other options are available for U.S. citizens returning to America. Citizens, including dual citizens, may choose to show a passport card, NEXUS card, an enhanced American driver's license or their United States passport, when entering the United States by land or sea.
  
  

Considerations

• Dual citizens are subject to each country's laws when entering the country. When entering the United States, dual citizens must adhere to all regulations regarding what items to declare, duty payment, duty exemptions, items that citizens are allowed to bring into the country and any other requirements of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection workers.
  
  Dual citizens entering Canada on a Canadian passport must adhere to similar regulations and comply with the Canada Border Services Agency's requests.