My question is, other than my passport, what other documents will I need. As far as I'm aware, I don't need a visa, but I could be wrong.
Flying into Canada is probably okay, and flying into the US is probably okay. My only worry is crossing the border from Canada into the US, what will I need then?
Thanks to all replies in advance.
UK citizens do not require a visa to enter Canada (for up to 180 days) or the United States (for up to 90 days). It doesn't matter if you are entering the US via airline or a land crossing. You'll only need your passport.
Not only do you not require a visa, there is no way to obtain one. Neither Canada nor US will issue visas to UK citizens unless you need to stay beyond the visa-exemption period or are otherwise inadmissible under the visa-waiver agreements (i.e. you need special permission due to criminal records, medical inadmissibility, previous immigration violation, etc.).
Both country's border services can deny entry based on a number of factors -- criminal records, medical issues, lack of funds, suspect you are going to violate the terms of entry (work illegally, won't leave, etc.), etc. Border agents may ask for proof you are employed in the UK, that you have sufficient funds (bank card, credit card, bank statement), that you have a return plane ticket, that you have travel medical insurance, etc.
This is fairly rare and typically they need some reason to suspect this -- your travel plans don't make sense, you are planning on staying long periods of time, you have a significant other in the US, etc. 99% of the time, they will ask where you are going, how long you are staying, etc. and stamp your passport. Vehicles typically cross the border in 30 seconds or so.
You will need your passport. I would also recommend travel medical insurance (and proof), a recent copy of your bank statement (print one from an ATM), having some information about your job back in the UK, having a copy of your return plane ticket, and basic information about where you will be staying in the US (print out of your hotel confirmation, name/phone number of anyone you are staying with, etc.) Do not bring any work related materials. Remember they can search your cell phone, laptop, vehicle, and luggage.
You only need a valid passport to visit Canada.
http://www.skyteam.com/en/your-trip/Serv...
Citizens of about 35 countries can travel to the USA for up to 90 days at a time as a tourist or for some business purposes by registering for ESTA > before < their trip begins. The cost is US$14, which is similar to the fee for the Australian ETA program.
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/withou...
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/visaservices/?p=129
Registering is accomplished online, you don't need the details of your trip, the response is usually immediate, and the confirmation is valid for multiple trips to the USA over two (2) years so don't wait until the last minute.
Print the confirmation - or at least record the number - and keep the information with your passport. Having a return or onward ticket leaving North America is a requirement, so have a copy of your airline itinerary at passport control.
Check with your health insurance to find out if it covers you in the USA and pays for medical evacuation to home (should that be necessary). If yes then take proof of coverage with you. If no or not sure then get trip medical insurance, which is cheap and sold by airlines & travel agents. The USA has wonderful medical care but it isn't free or even cheap. Please do not skimp on this as an otherwise-silly accident could turn into a crisis if you don't have medical insurance. This is a link from the US government, but the info is good for anyone traveling outside their home country:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1470.html
If you are planning a long visit then DON'T schedule your departure day for the 90th day (any part of a day in the USA counts as a whole day, so if you arrive at 23:59h on the 1st and leave at 00:01h on the 10th it is 10 days in the USA). Schedule your departure not later than the 88th day as there are no (zero) provisions in the Visa Waiver Program for someone to voluntarily extend their stay. If you miss your flight due to something Immigration might consider avoidable (ex. flat tire on the way to the airport) they may ban you from using the VWP in the future.
The 90 days start when you enter the USA and going back to Canada does not count as "leaving the USA" for Visa Waiver purposes.
Just a recommendation bring your travel VISA as well you never know who may ask for it. But yes definitely take your passport its a little more important than you might realize if you expect to be served at ANY bar or establishment it is a MUST have item. If you dont have it on you then... its going to be on long sober night for you haha.
Other than a travel visa and passport there really isnt any documentation that you particularly need.
If you are going to travel by land from Canada to the U.S., you do not need an ESTA. If you are going to fly across the border , you must have an ESTA. See site below to read all about it.
