Information For U.S. Visitors
TRAVELER IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND BORDER CROSSINGS
To assist with your travel plans to our area, we are pleased to provide these details regarding the current travel identification requirements.
U.S. Visitors to Canada:
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For temporary visits to Canada for less than 180 days, a visa is not required for U.S. citizens in most cases.Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. If a U.S. citizen traveling to Canada does not have a passport, passport card, or approved alternate document such as a NEXUS card, they must show a government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver’s License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport.
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If you are traveling with children, you should carry identification for each child. Divorced parents, who share custody, should carry copies of the legal custody documents.
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Travelers under the age of 16 and unaccompanied by a parent need a letter of permission from a parent or guardian.
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All U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from Canada or via a third country are required to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States. For entry into the United States via land and sea borders, U.S. citizens must present either a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Drivers License, or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document.
For additional information on exceptions to the standard requirements as well as dutyfree limits, please refer to:
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) www.cbsa.gc.ca
- OntarioTravel.net
- U.S. Citizens traveling to and from Canada: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html#entry_requirements
Weather
See the Stratford 5-Day Forecast on CJCS Radio
- See also current weather conditions in Stratford, Ontario from the Weather Network
Maps & Directions
- Read our Maps & Directions page for links to road maps and travel directions from most major U.S. cities.
- Request your best route from your location at OntarioTravel.net
- Find additional maps and routes at Google Maps
Driving in Ontario
When driving in Ontario U.S. travelers need to be aware that posted speed limits are in kilometers per hour. Here is an approximate conversion chart of commonly posted speed limits:
| km/hr | m.p.h. |
| 50 | 30 |
| 80 | 50 |
| 90 | 55 |
| 100 | 60 |
Be aware also of the following regulations:
- Radar detectors are illegal in Ontario.
- Seat belt use is mandatory in Ontario.�
- For motorcyclists, the wearing of DOT-approved helmets is mandatory in Ontario.
See also the Ontario Ministry of Transport website for additional maps and highway information, including road conditions and highway closures due to construction.
Currency
It is recommended that visitors use Canadian funds in Ontario. Currency exchange offices, conveniently located at most Ontario Travel Information Centres at the U.S./Ontario border, offer a good rate of exchange and are open daily. A good rate of exchange is also offered at the currency exchanges at international airports (Toronto, Ottawa) and at all banks, trust companies and credit unions. Banks are generally open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday; to 6 p.m. Friday. Most trust companies are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and Saturday mornings.
Use this quick and easy Currency Converter at OntarioTravel.net to help you make quick and easy conversions between currencies.
Sales Tax
In Ontario, a 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (3% Goods & Services tax plus 8% provincial sales tax) applies to most purchases. Please note that the Visitor Rebate Program is no longer available.
More Traveler's Tips can be found at OntarioTravel.net
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