Crossing the border of Canada to the United States?

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Jeff H

Assuming you are a Canadian or US citizen, the current rules relating to cross border travel for individuals entering the United States are as follows:

By Air: A valid Passport

By Land: A valid Passport; or; government issued photo ID (i.e. Driver's License) and an official birth certificate. If you are 18 or younger an official birth certificate is the only ID required however if you have photo ID is is recommended that you take it.

By Sea: Same as for land.

These rules were put into place by the US Department of Homeland Security. Current proposals will see these change around June 1, 2009 to require a valid Passport as the only form of ID acceptable for travelling into the US by any means. This date is subject to change and other forms of ID such as an enhanced Driver's License are currently being tested which may be acceptable instead of a Passport. I prefer to use my Canadian Passport when I cross the border as it tends to make crossing slightly easier depending on the border guard you have.

Of course if you are not a Canadian citizen then you have to meet the requirements for the country you are from. In addition, if you are a Canadian citizen but were born in another country it would be a good idea to bring your Citizenship Card with you. All in all, a passport is the best all round form of ID to use.

Mark R

If you are a Canadian citizen, you do not need a passport to cross the border into the US by land. The other respondents were incorrect in that the passport requirement at land crossings has not yet been instituted. You can cross the border with your birth certificate and a form of photo ID (i.e., your driver's license). However, if you have a passport, you would be advised to use that instead of the birth certificate/driver's license combo.

hippie

I don't think so. They lifted the rule that you had to have your passport.
I crossed the border from Manitoba to North Dakota, and only used my driver's license and birth certificate.

Even if you don't need a passport, do yourself a huge favour and get one anyway. And, please, don't lose it or accidentally wash it or lend it to someone or anything like that as I have seen some questions here on YA that make reference to people losing, washing or foolishly lending their passports to someone else...

bren dog

i would definitely have one on you at all times throughout your drive only because of the situation with security in our country since 9/11. i am not totally sure what the rules are and how they'd check but i have seen cars from canada around my state (wisconsin). so you should be safe BUT bring it just in case.

roadhunter

Yes, you now have to have a passport to go to and from Canada or Mexico to or from the U.S. It used to be just a birth certificate, but now the passport is required.

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