Entering the USA From Canada With an ESTA
Is an ESTA required at the Canada–USA border? Here are the rules for entering the United States by road, train, or on foot.
By car (even a rental) or by bus, ESTA is required.
By train or on foot, ESTA is also required.
Crossing the Canada–USA border may seem simple, but since October 2022 the rules have changed. ESTA is now required for most entries into the United States, including when arriving from Canada by road, rental car, bus, train or on foot. Many travelers still think ESTA only applies to flights, which leads to refusals at the border. This guide explains when ESTA is required, how to cross the Canada–USA border smoothly, and what formalities apply depending on your mode of arrival.
⭐ Key Points — ESTA & the Canada–USA Border
- Since October 2022, ESTA is mandatory to enter the USA from Canada.
- The requirement applies when arriving by car, rental car, train, bus and on foot.
- The former I-94W form has been discontinued: ESTA is now the only accepted authorization.
- Without an approved ESTA → boarding may be denied and entry refused at the US border.
- ESTA must be obtained before reaching the Canada–USA border.
Since October 2022, ESTA has become mandatory to enter the United States from Canada, regardless of how you travel. Many travelers still assume the authorization applies only to flights, but US authorities now consider all arrivals from Canada as standard entries into the country.
This means ESTA is required at the Canada–USA land border whether you arrive by car, by bus, by train, on foot or in a rental vehicle. Whether you are planning a short day trip, a road trip, or simply transiting through the United States, the requirements are the same as for a flight to the US. The goal is to standardize entry procedures and replace former systems such as the I-94W form.
ESTA is required in the following situations:
Driving into the United States from Canada is one of the most popular ways to explore North America. Although the process remains easy, travelers must now prepare in advance: you need a valid ESTA before crossing the Canada–USA border by car. Many travelers used to lighter land-border procedures were surprised by this change, but the rules have been standardized for all entry points.
Today, applying for ESTA in advance is essential. Border officers no longer issue forms or authorizations onsite. If your ESTA is missing or invalid when you reach the inspection booth, entry will simply be refused.
Here’s what travelers should check before departure:
For most travelers, the crossing is smooth—as long as ESTA is valid and documents are prepared.
Many visitors plan a Canada–USA road trip using a rental car from Montreal, Vancouver or Toronto. The rule is simple: if you cross the border in a rented vehicle, you must have an approved ESTA before reaching the USA. The requirements are identical to those for a personal car.
Rental companies are stricter than before, as they must ensure their vehicles are not detained or refused entry. They may request the following before letting you leave the lot:
To avoid issues, apply for ESTA several days before picking up your rental car. Without it, entry will be refused and rental fees may apply.
Until a few years ago, land-border travelers filled out an I-94W form, while air travelers used ESTA. This distinction has ended. The I-94W form has been fully discontinued, and ESTA is now the only valid entry authorization for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program.
This change was introduced to streamline security procedures. Today, ESTA is required for all entries—by land, air or sea. Border officers cannot issue documents onsite, and the rules are applied strictly:
ESTA has become the standard authorization for all entries into the United States.
Traveling from Canada to the United States by train or bus remains a popular option. Routes such as Amtrak between Montreal and New York, or cross-border buses from Ottawa or Toronto, are widely used. These services now require passengers to have an approved ESTA before boarding.
Transportation companies strictly apply US entry rules. Amtrak checks passports and ESTA approvals prior to boarding, and bus operators do the same to avoid delays during US border inspections.
The requirements are similar to car travel: ESTA must be approved in advance. No temporary authorization can be issued at the border.
Flights between Canada and the United States are among the busiest in North America. Whether traveling for tourism, business, or a short weekend trip, you must have an approved ESTA before boarding. Airlines strictly enforce this rule and will deny boarding without authorization.
Common direct routes include:
ESTA is also required for transit. Even if you stay in the international zone and do not go through immigration, you cannot transit through a US airport without ESTA approval.
Regardless of the situation, ESTA is always required when flying from Canada to—or through—the United States.
Although ESTA refusals are uncommon, they can happen due to incorrect information, ineligible passports, inconsistencies or administrative issues. When ESTA is denied, entry into the United States is impossible. Travelers must then apply for a B1/B2 visa. At land borders, any ESTA issue results in immediate refusal.
So when travelers ask, “Do I need an ESTA to enter the USA from Canada?” the answer is always yes—by land, air or train. Following this rule ensures a smooth border crossing.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Yes. Even for a simple return trip, you must have a valid ESTA before crossing the Canada-United States border by car. US officials no longer issue authorizations on arrival. Without an ESTA, your entry into the territory will be rejected, whether for a shopping trip, a visit to friends or a short excursion.
Yes, an ESTA is required for a bus trip between Canada and the United States. Companies check authorization before departure. Without a valid ESTA, you cannot board or cross the border. Even for a simple one-way trip or a short stay, US-Canada train and bus requirements are strictly enforced.
Yes, ESTA is required for all train travel between Canada and the United States, including on Amtrak lines. Passports and authorizations are checked before boarding. Without approved ESTA, travellers cannot continue to the border. ESTA for train travel between Canada and the USA is now an essential requirement for travel.
Yes. Even on foot, entry into the United States requires a valid ESTA. At pedestrian crossing points such as certain border bridges, officers apply the same rules as for cars or buses. Without authorization, you will be turned back. ESTA for the US-Canada border on foot is therefore essential for crossing without administrative delays.