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  In the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, travel between the United States and Canada is slightly more complicated due to rising worldwide concerns about border security. While more rigorous than in past, travel between the two countries is not prohibitively complicated and can be easily negotiated with a little forethought and preparedness.
  
  

Entry

• Citizens of the United States do not require a passport to enter Canada, according to the Canadian Border Services Agency. The agency recommends, however, that you bring some proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization. They also encourage travelers to visit the United States Customs and Border Protection Website to learn what is necessary to re-enter the United States once you leave Canada.
  
  

Children

• When attempting to cross the border with children, the agency advises that you carry with you copies of your legal custody documents pertaining to the child. Border authorities may also ask to see some form of authorization from the other custodial parent to be certain that the child is not being abducted across international borders. An adult planning to cross the border with a child of whom she is not the parent or guardian should obtain written permission from the parents, including contact information should the border authorities with so locate or speak to them.
  
  

Restrictions

• There are many reasons Canada can refuse someone's entry into the country or deny them a visa, according to the Border Services Agency, including: suspicion of terrorism, member of organized crime, war crimes or crimes against humanity, danger to public health or will burden Canada's health or social services, or are unable to support themselves financially inside Canada.
  
  

Contraband

• Canadian border security uses a variety of methods for detecting illegal substances and preventing their entry into the country such as dogs, X-rays, gamma-rays, radiation detectors and density gauges. In addition to the items expected to be prohibited, such as prohibited firearms and paraphernalia, counterfeit currency and fruit, Canada also bars second-hand mattresses and good produced by prison labor, among other things.
  
  

Exit

• If you are returning to the United States with good from Canada, the Canadian Border Service Agency advises that you carry three copies of a list of goods you are transporting along with their values. The agency says that this, in addition to packing things such as food, tobacco and alcohol in separate containers, simplifies the clearance process.