Border Crossing Information for the 2026 CANUSA Games – Flint, Michigan | August 7th to 9th
This year marks an away year for CANUSA Hamilton athletes, as they will be participating in the 68th CANUSA Games in Flint, Michigan, from August 7th to 9th, 2026. Hamilton athletes will be required to cross the United States border in 2026.
For families travelling from Hamilton to Flint, please be aware of the current border requirements.
Travel to the United States from Canada – 2026 Requirements
Effective for all travel in 2026, all participants travelling from Canada to the United States will be required to present a valid Canadian passport to cross the border. No other forms of identification or documentation will be accepted.
For Canadian Citizens:
- All Canadian citizens, including children and youth under the age of 19, must carry a valid Canadian passport when entering the United States by land, sea, or air.
- Birth certificates, citizenship cards, and group travel exemptions will no longer be accepted for border crossing purposes.
For Organized Groups
- Participants travelling as part of a school group, sports team, religious organization, or cultural/social group are also required to carry a valid Canadian passport. Group letters and parental consent forms may still be required by organizers, but they do not replace the passport requirement.
- We strongly recommend that all travellers verify passport expiry dates well in advance of departure, as passports must remain valid for the duration of travel.
For Canadian Landed Immigrants (Permanent Residents):
- Passport and Visa:
- Landed immigrants (permanent residents) need a passport and visa to enter the United States unless they are from a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- If they are eligible for the VWP, they only need a valid passport if arriving by land or sea.
- For air travel, advance approval is required via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
- For more details on the VWP and eligible countries, please visit the Department of State Website.
Returning to Canada from the United States
Passport Reminder
- Please ensure your passport is valid and not expired before traveling. If necessary, renew your passport as soon as possible. Please note that Service Canada is currently experiencing delays, so it is important to plan ahead and avoid last-minute renewals.
We hope this information helps with your travel plans for the 68th CANUSA Games in Flint. If you have any questions or require further details, please reach out to the CANUSA Games team. Safe travels!
